‘We’re good to go’.

That was the message from Cumbria Tourism as they embark on countywide tour promoting the county’s economic recovery.

More than 20 businesses will receive a visit from the organisation as well as MPs, including Simon Fell, Tim Farron and Trudy Harrison on Saturday.

The tour will be used to highlight Cumbria as the perfect place to visit this summer, urging visitors and locals alike to plan-ahead by booking their next trip in advance and to raise awareness of their official ‘We’re Good To Go’ seal of approval from VisitEngland.

All businesses are being invited to join the celebrations by posting photographs on social media using the hashtags #theperfectplacetobe and #weregoodtogo. The tour will also be covered on Cumbria Tourism’s own social media channels throughout the day. You can see photographs of the tour and participating businesses on Cumbria Tourism’s social media channels by searching for the hashtag #protecttourismjobs.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “We’ve also created a new website, visitlakedistrict.com, which not only showcases Cumbria’s beauty with the world but also stops people in their tracks and inspires them to visit or return, to make them say: ‘I never knew that’ or ‘I’ve got to go there’, or ‘I can’t wait to try that’, to discover new places or rediscover old, to try different experiences, check out our amazing local food and drink and products, to soak up the landscape, or to learn new skills.

“Our team has done an absolutely fantastic job with this new website, which will make planning a visit to The Lake District a mouth-watering and easy experience.”

Cumbria Tourism has stressed that forward-planning will help the industry and its 65,000 tourism employees get the former £3 billion tourism economy back on track.

“We’re working hard to encourage people to plan ahead and book in advance, which will really help the economic recovery. The tourism industry has been suffering terribly in recent months and this website will help people begin planning their future visits once again, as we begin to move into the next chapter,” said Ms Haigh.

Former BBC Radio 4 broadcaster and Cumbria Tourism President Eric Robson said, “Tourism plays a huge role in enabling us to enjoy the lives we have, from our favourite walking route to our favourite pubs and restaurants. With your support, you will be helping to save livelihoods and put the economy here back on the road to recovery."