Cumbrian DMO targets UK’s £4bn business tourism market

Cumbria’s official tourist board is taking steps to boost business tourism in the region.

Cumbria Tourism has launched a new free-to-use venue finding service to attract more conferences to the area.

VisitEngland figures show that business tourism creates over 16m trips every year, adding £4bn to the UK economy.

With several major developments in the region now open for business – including the new £1m Conference and Learning Centre at the Beacon Museum in Whitehaven, and the £16m investment at Low Wood Bay Resort Hotel in Windermere – Cumbria Tourism wants to secure a slice of this multi-billion pound market.

The destination management organisation is calling on companies to utilise its conference desk, which it said will help them locate the most suitable venues for conferences, events and training.

Rachel Tyson, Cumbria Tourism’s head of marketing and sales, said: “This year will see millions of pounds’ worth of developments enhance conference facilities in Cumbria.

“Although business tourism is traditionally associated with cities such as Manchester and London, we have some truly unique venues and executive retreats in spectacular scenery, you simply can’t find in other parts of the country.”

She added: “It’s an emerging area for us, but we want to get the message out there that we have a free conference finding service to help put companies in touch with venues which offer a completely different corporate experience.”

English Lakes Hotels, Resorts & Venues’ group marketing manager, Colin Fox, commented: “Business tourism is hugely important to the Lake District and is certainly a major part of the plans for Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa and the extended and increased quality of the facilities at the venue.

“The development is expected to encourage more incentive and business tourism and if the Lake District is awarded World Heritage Status this July then a world class resort would definitely be a boost to the area.”

Alan Irwin, the Beacon Museum’s business development manager, said: “Cumbria has a thriving business community that attracts investment from across the globe and having a creative space at the museum provides new opportunities for businesses.

“The Beacon Museum have been keen to innovate in this way, as it allows us to change the perception of what a museum does: whether that be a community hub, learning centre or simply a greater catalyst for tourism.”

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