A HIGH level delegation of tourism businesses from Cumbria is flying out to Japan later this month on a mission to encourage more visitors from the Far East to travel to the county.

The team of businessmen and women are members of the Lake District Japan Forum, which has forged close links with Japanese tour operators over the last 20 years.

The party is embarking on an important mini trade mission visiting Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo during their five day trip between October 21 and 25.

They have a demanding round of meetings, presentations and workshops during their time in Japan, with around 50 scheduled office visits on top of meeting more than 100 trade and media contacts over the week.

The delegation aims to spread the word about the delights of the Lake District to key decision makers in the Japanese travel trade who are involved with building itineraries for package tours to England.

The Lake District has over the years become a firm favourite with Japanese tourists, who are among the biggest-spending overseas visitors to the county.

The delegation includes representatives from The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Dove Cottage, Windermere Lake Cruises, Lindeth Howe, Mountain Goat, the National Trust, Grasmere Gingerbread and English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues.

Angela Metcalfe, commercial manager for Cumbria Tourism will also be representing Holbeck Ghyll, Linthwaite Country House Hotel, Hawkshead Village Shop, Levens Hall, K Village and Go Lakes Travel. Ms Metcalfe said: “The Lake District is the jewel in the crown of Cumbria’s £2.1billion tourism industry. “We are so pleased that Cumbria Tourism and the Japan Forum have this opportunity to update the Japanese travel trade about new developments in the county and the chance to provide people with more information about the area. “Kosuichihou.com website is one way anyone interested in the Japanese business can get some exposure to the market and we will highlight the benefits of this excellent translated site during the visit.” Colin Fox, chairman of the Japan Forum and group marketing manager with English Lakes, said: ‘’We have a fantastic relationship with the Japanese travel trade and continue to see impressive numbers of guests from the country.

By going out to speak directly and update the right people the Lake District has become a number one destination outside of London in the UK and we aim to help this continue for many years to come.”