A lecture held next month will discuss if a different kind of tourism would be possible for the Lake District.
The annual Kirby Lecture, organised by landscape charity Friends of the Lake District, will ask if a different model of tourism is possible within the Lake District.
Gavin Capstick, CEO of Lake District National Park Authority and Louise Dunn, Keswick mayor, will be among the panellists.
Friends of the Lake District said: “Tourism brings many benefits to the Lake District, but this summer, residents have endured a surge in fly-camping, littering and inconsiderate parking.
“These are just some of the most visible and upsetting negative impacts of tourism.
“Reflecting that the current model of tourism is not working, a recent YouGov poll, commissioned by Friends of the Lake District, found strong support for some kind of visitor levy, both from people who live in Cumbria and those who visit the area.”
The Kirby Lecture, at Kendal Town Hall on Friday November 14, will see panellists explore whether a change to the whole model of tourism is needed.
They will reflect on the current experience of tourism in Cumbria, explore how other parts of the UK have attempted a reset, and consider whether and how we can move to a regenerative form of tourism that gives back more than it takes.
This panel also includes Michael Hill, CEO of Friends of the Lake District and Elin Williamson, head of business growth and inclusion at City of Edinburgh Council.
The discussion will be chaired by Dame Fiona Reynolds, who hosted last year’s Kirby Lecture for the charity.
Jeremy Smith, head of campaigns and engagement for Friends of the Lake District said: “While tourism brings many benefits to the area, it risks becoming self-defeating, with the number of people visiting the Lake District and the impact they have undermining the very reasons for people to come.
“Our ongoing campaign for a visitor levy is part of the solution: the funds raised would have an important effect of mitigating the impacts of tourism.
“But the debate at this year’s lecture will go further and explore other ways in which a different model of tourism could make a positive impact on the National Park and beyond.”
The charity’s annual Kirby Lecture is funded by a bequest from a former Friends of the Lake District member, Lewis Kirby.
Tickets for the event can be booked via the Friends of the Lake District website: www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/kirby2025.
The event is free to attend but donations are welcome, the charity said.
