From a tourism industry perspective, 2013 was a vast improvement on 2012 – but I hope the momentum is maintained in 2014.

Investments in new and refreshed products and services are needed to keep pace with the global competition as there is still a lot of ground to recover before we see real growth in visitor spend in the county.

I wish good fortune on those businesses that have made bold investment decisions.

On a more personal note, I hope that Cumbria Tourism’s marketing plans deliver tangible benefits for our ever loyal members and that the organisation continues to consolidate its role in co-ordinating the development and improvement of the industry.

I hope for continued good health, more fresh mountain air, golf and quality time with wife and daughter, and finally, another six nations title for the men in red (Wales).

Ian Stephens, managing director of Cumbria Tourism