DIRECT flights from China are set to boost tourism to Cumbria.

The flights from Beijing to Manchester started today (June 10) and are the first ever direct flights to the north of England from mainland China.

Visitors to this country from China have doubled in the last five years and VisitBritain estimates that they will treble again by 2020.

Ian Stephens, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: "The addition of these new direct flights from China is a really positive boost to Cumbria’s £2.62 billion tourism industry, making it easier than ever before for Chinese visitors to explore iconic landscapes including the English Lake District and Hadrian’s Wall.

"Some of Cumbria’s key tourism businesses recently held a showpiece event in London to spread the word about our rich culture and heritage to Chinese tour operators, and the new Beijing flights again underline how well connected and accessible the North of England is to the Chinese visitor market."

Several Cumbrian tourism businesses, including Windermere Lake Cruises, English Lakes Hotels and the Lakes Distillery, were at Manchester Airport to welcome the passengers on this morning’s inaugural flight.

Jennifer Cormack, sales manager for Windermere Lake Cruises and Chair of the Lake District China Forum said: "China is an economic powerhouse and there has been a clear increase in the number of Chinese visitors to the Lake District over the past couple of years.

"The introduction of the Beijing–Manchester flight route opens up the North West even further and we need to make the most of this fantastic new opportunity."