Developing a skilled workforce, promoting sustainable tourism, and marketing Cumbria as a world-class destination in 2022 and beyond - just some of the key issues under the spotlight at Cumbria Tourism’s upcoming Members’ Event.

This key event for tourism and hospitality businesses will be held at the Roundthorn Country House Hotel in Penrith on Tuesday 15 March.

It will feature headline speaker David Sheen - who is Public Affairs Director at UK Hospitality and a member of the Hospitality and Skills Board - alongside a series of local expert speakers sharing their insights into some of the hot topics affecting the industry right now.

As well as sharing up-to-date analysis from Cumbria Tourism’s new in-depth skills audit and outlining the next steps in the organisation’s recruitment marketing campaign, the Cumbria Tourism team will be launching a new online ‘toolkit’ for businesses with plenty of advice and information to help them develop sustainable working practices.

There will also be up-to-the-minute information on the organisation’s destination marketing campaign work, alongside the latest news on the practical support available for tourism operators to help them grow and prosper for the future.

The speaker-line up is rounded off with three additional expert speakers diving deeper into skills and recruitment challenges and opportunities.

That includes People Director from the Westmorland Family, Alex Sharp-Walker, who will bring a first-hand business perspective to developing a skilled workforce.

Meanwhile, Angela Barnes from Napthens Solicitors will be taking a look at securing sponsored status for international workers and Chris Gibson, from employability skills expert Inspira, will talk about the practical support available to employers.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says, ““This is an important date in the calendar for tourism-related businesses to come together to get the very latest updates on the sector in the county, to build professional relationships and to discuss topical issues.

“It’s also a chance to discuss our latest research, develop new collaborative marketing opportunities and debate future priorities and opportunities for both Cumbria Tourism and the sector as a whole.”

She adds, “Regularly meeting face-to-face is something everyone has missed over the last 2 years and it is fantastic to be holding our first in-person event of 2022.”

The Cumbria Tourism Members’ Event will finish with a ‘Question and Answer’ session with the expert speaker panel, along with additional time for face-to-face networking for tourism businesses.

The sponsor for the half-day session is Inspira and event is open to any of Cumbria Tourism’s 2,500 member businesses. They can sign-up at: www.cumbriatourism.org/events/

If you are not yet a Cumbria Tourism member and are interested in joining membership, you can contact the team on 01539 822222 / bmelling@cumbriatourism.org