The chairman of VisitBritain has met with Copeland businesses as part of a tour of some of the area’s most loved attractions.
Organised by Copeland MP Trudy Harrison in celebration of English Tourism Week, the visit provided the chance to discuss recovery of the hospitality, tourism and outdoor industries following the easing of further lockdown restrictions.
Lord McLoughlin’s tour of local attractions began with a meet and greet at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway with business owners from West Lakes Adventure, Eskdale Campsite, 1692 Wasdale, The Woolpack Inn, and Irton Hall.
The Copeland MP then whisked the VisitBritain chairman off for a journey on the La’al Ratty, before paying a visit to Muncaster Castle.
Mr McLoughlin was treated to a one of Muncaster’s famous heron feed displays before a discussion with Copeland Borough Council’s Eric Barker on plans and potential developments to improve cycling and walking on the Lake District coast
Mrs Harrison said: “Cumbria’s tourism sector has endured huge challenges during the pandemic, so I was delighted to welcome Lord McLoughlin today to showcase some of the area’s most-loved attractions.
“Copeland has so much to offer from internationally renowned landscapes to historic attractions and award-winning food and drink, and as we build back better, we must do all we can to support our local tourism businesses.”
English Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, highlighting its economic importance to local economies and promoting the innovation, quality and range of products and services on offer to encourage more people to take domestic breaks.
Lord McLoughlin said: “I’m so pleased to be in Cumbria today as part of English Tourism Week, a week dedicated to showing support for tourism businesses and destinations across the sector as they reopen and start to rebuild.
“Local businesses have been working so hard to welcome visitors back safely, adapting and innovating to meet new ways of working and still providing a great visitor experience.
“Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism right across the country and the industry needs all of us to make sure it gets back on its feet. I encourage everyone to get out and discover the outstanding destinations and quality attractions right here on the doorstep during English Tourism Week and beyond.”
Jim Walker, chief executive of Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway and chair of Cumbria Tourism, said: “English Tourism Week is a real opportunity to celebrate the important impact tourism has on the local economy and highlight the many superb experiences visitors and locals can enjoy – many of which we were able to show him.”
Yesterday, Mrs Harrison met with staff at The Beacon Museum as well as speaking with traders at the Cumbrian Traders Market at St Nicholas’ Gardens in Whitehaven.
