A WINDERMERE hotel owner believes a surge in international guests bodes well for the main 2018 holiday season.

Just two months into 2018, the Lamplighter Dining Rooms is already reporting a 30 per cent increase in groups from overseas compared to the same time last year.

Around half of the visitors are coming from China, alongside less well-known markets such as Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Much of the business is coming from group travel companies using Windermere as a gateway to explore the wider region.

Co-owner of The Lamplighter, James Tasker, said: “The reaction from overseas visitors in recent months has been phenomenally positive. The number of international guests is showing large increases and our forward bookings for this year are looking very promising. They are also tending to spend more, compared to past years.”