DELEGATES from 100 tourism businesses have attended the fifth annual Eden Tourism Summit today at the Tebay Services Hotel.

The summit was the original idea of the Eden Tourism Network, a group of local businesses who work together with Eden District Council’s Tourism Team to drive the visitor economy forward.

Jim Walker, Chair of the Network said: “The quality of speakers at the 2016 Eden Tourism Summit ensured the event was again a huge success and a great result for the Eden Tourism Team."

Tourism Advisor Ken Robinson CBE, who had travelled from London to address the summit, said: “I am really pleased to be meeting the people involved in tourism in Eden. The economic benefit of tourism to Eden is well documented - but tourism can bring much more than money and jobs to rural communities.

"Eden is well placed to make sure that as your tourism grows, it is well managed for the benefit of visitors and the local community.”

Delegates also heard from Bernard Donoghue, the Director of the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, Sharon Orell, Head of Research and Insight for Visit England and Helen Tate, the Research Manager at Cumbria Tourism.

There was a real buzz amongst the delegates and they listened to the mix of national and regional presentations all geared towards the growth and development of rural tourism.

The workshops which followed in the afternoon gave businesses the chance to participate in some lively debates.

Justin Grammer from PS Business Matters delivered an enthusiastic session on the topic of social media and the importance of matching the choice of media to the businesses target market. Product development and the need to constantly move forward to meet visitor expectation was covered by Rachel Bell, Group Marketing Manager, and team members from Ullswater Steamers.

Some tricky issues were tackled by delegates attending the ‘Brexit and Beyond’ workshop ably assisted by Burnetts solicitors from Penrith.

“We are delighted that our delegates have got so much out of today and the fact that they can take some practical ideas back with them that will benefit their individual businesses. It is time now to start planning the 2017 event,” said Jessica Goodfellow, Eden District Council’s Joint Tourism Manager.

The next Eden Tourism Network meeting is taking place on Wednesday December 7 at the Inn on the Lake in Glenridding from 2pm to 4pm. For more details about things to do and places to stay in Eden District www.visiteden.co.uk