Eden tourism summit

Tourism tips for Cumbrian businesses

The summit is being held at Lowther Castle Photo: ITV Border

Businesses from across Cumbria's Eden Valley are taking part in the area's first tourism summit. It's being held to try to increase the number of visitors who come to the area.

Tourism businesses at the summit Credit: ITV Border

Eden already relies heavily on tourism, bringing £225.5 million into the area's economy each year, supporting 3,589 jobs and attracting 4.3 million visitors.

But the area wants to do better and draw some of the millions of tourists that go to the central Lake District each year.

The summit has attracted up to 70 businesses Credit: ITV Border

The summit was requested by the tourism businesses and will look at how to improve the marketing of Eden and improve the quality of the experience that visitors receive. The main speakers at the event:

  • David Edwards, Head of Research and Forecasting for Visit Britain
  • Zoe Dawes Britain's Best Travel Blogger 2011
  • Jim Walker Chair, Eden Tourism Network & Managing Director of Lake District Estates
  • Alistair Kirkbride from the Lake District National Park Authority