Latest news with #CumbriaTourism
The Independent
09-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
New figures reveal the decline in Cumbria tourism since Covid pandemic
Cumbria continues to experience a tourism decline since the pandemic as visitor numbers and profitability fell last year, new statistics reveal. New data from the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor, STEAM, has revealed a 14 per cent drop in the number of visitors overall and a 18 percent fall in day visitors compared to 2019. In 2024, Cumbria's tourism industry contributed £4.6billion to the local economy, supporting almost 75,000 jobs, making up 28 per cent of the county's workforce. But these figures are down on the previous 12 months. The number of visitors to the county dropped by over three per cent and trips on average lasted for fewer days. Day trips to the northwest area of England also reduced last year, with the drop equivalent to a loss of 1.42million visits compared to 2023. In addition, revenue dropped by 5.7 per cent. President of Cumbria Tourism Jim Walker said: ' Cumbria's £4.6billion tourism and hospitality industry is made up of hundreds of small businesses who make a huge contribution to other sectors, including transport and the wider supply chain. 'They also help to create the assets that make Cumbria such a special place to live and work for our local communities. 'However, this latest data clearly demonstrates that – after the economic shock of the pandemic and subsequent government policy changes around immigration and taxation – long-term recovery is proving extremely challenging for these vital visitor economy businesses as they face reduced visitor numbers coupled with increasing costs. Ultimately, this means less profitability and ability to employ and re-invest.' However, the number of visitors staying overnight has increased. In the previous 12 months, this number grew by 10 per cent and now generates more than half of the revenue of the total number of visitors. Increasing the contribution of overnight visitors has been a key objective within the five-year Destination Management Plan by Cumbria Tourism. There was also a small increase in revenue generated outside the traditional summer holiday season with a growth in profitability in January and March and then October to December in 2024 compared to 2023. Visitor spending on food and drink is a key benefit for the Cumbrian economy, with its value now worth £1.1billion. Walker added: 'Cumbria has a shared Destination Management Plan, which public and private partners are collectively ambitious to deliver, enabling sustainable growth for the benefit of the whole of the county and its communities. 'At the moment, a combination of the cost of living crisis and a series of unlinked and uncoordinated national policy changes are seriously damaging business profitability, the economy, jobs and therefore communities. 'We are determined to work in partnership with others to help to stabilise and improve this situation.' The independent annual assessment has taken place in Cumbria for more than 25 years and is produced on behalf of a partnership led by Cumbria Tourism and supported by Cumberland Council, Westmorland & Furness Council and the Lake District National Park Authority.
ITV News
07-07-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Tourism in decline in Cumbria as county sees 14% drop since 2019
New figures have highlighted the decline of tourism in Cumbria with visitor numbers down 14% compared to 2019. The statistics are produced from the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor, commonly known as 'STEAM' and released by Cumbria Tourism in partnership with Cumberland Council, Westmorland & Furness Council and the Lake District National Park Authority. Also in comparison to 2019 the number of day visitors to Cumbria have fallen by 18%. What are some of the key statistics compared to the previous 12 months? Visitor numbers are down 3.3% and visitor days down 5% Revenue is down by 5.7% once adjusted for inflation Staying visitor nights fell by 6.3% Day visitors fell by 4% - the equivalent loss of 1.42 million visits President of Cumbria Tourism Jim Walker says: "Cumbria's £4.6billion tourism and hospitality industry is made up of hundreds of small businesses who make a huge contribution to other sectors, including transport and the wider supply chain. "They also help to create the assets that make Cumbria such a special place to live and work for our local communities. "However, this latest data clearly demonstrates that - after the economic shock of the pandemic and subsequent government policy changes around immigration and taxation - long-term recovery is proving extremely challenging for these vital visitor economy businesses as they face reduced visitor numbers coupled with increasing costs. "Ultimately, this means less profitability and ability to employ and re-invest." In Cumbria more than half of the revenue made from tourism comes from visitors staying overnight in the county. The percentage of revenue generated outwith of the traditional summer months also increased from 38.9% in 2024 compared to 36.1% in 2023. Where do tourists spend their money in Cumbria? President of Cumbria Tourism Jim Walker added: "Cumbria has a shared Destination Management Plan, which public and private partners are collectively ambitious to deliver, enabling sustainable growth for the benefit of the whole of the whole of the county and its communities. "At the moment, a combination of the cost of living crisis and a series of unlinked and uncoordinated national policy changes are seriously damaging business profitability, the economy, jobs and therefore communities. "We are determined to work in partnership with others to help to stabilise and improve this situation."
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cumbria Tourism attends King's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace
The Cumbria Tourism team recently attended His Majesty the King's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of its work improving access to employment, skills development and career opportunities within the visitor economy. Rachel Tyson, Cumbria Tourism's Head of Partnerships & Projects attended His Majesty the King's Garden Party at Buckingham Palace along with Partnerships & Project Executive, Molly Hill to recognise their work with young people to improve access to employment, skills development and career opportunities. The invitation reflects Cumbria Tourism's wide-ranging efforts to tackle one of the most urgent challenges facing the sector, recruitment and retention. (L) Molly Hill, partnerships and project executive at Cumbria Tourism, and (R) Rachel Tyson, managing director (Image: Supplied) From the aftermath of Brexit and the pandemic to the evolving needs of the modern workforce, the organisation has been leading initiatives to futureproof the £4.7 billion visitor economy. These include: The Tourism Talent Hub, developed in partnership with local colleges and universities, to connect jobseekers with live vacancies, skills bootcamps, and on-the-job training opportunities. Close collaboration with local schools, retirement-age workers, and job centres to engage people at all life stages, from students to those seeking a second career. Running and promoting Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) to support those re-entering the workforce. Queen Camilla at the Garden Party (Image: Supplied) Working with employers to provide real job placements and interview opportunities at careers fairs and recruitment events across Cumbria. Partnering with charities including Growing Well Cumbria and People First to deliver employer training and provide tailored support for wellbeing, mental health, and inclusive employment. Supporting ex-offenders by providing direct routes into hospitality roles, helping people rebuild their lives through employment. King Charles at the garden party (Image: Supplied) Ms Tyson says: 'It was a real honour to be invited to Buckingham Palace and to represent Cumbria Tourism, our members and partners. "This recognition reflects the collective effort to make the visitor economy more inclusive, resilient and accessible to all. 'Whether it's supporting someone back into work, offering a young person their first step into the industry, or giving someone a second chance through employment, we're committed to making tourism a career option for everyone, not just a short-term job. 'Being recognised at this national level is a reminder of how important this work is, and how much it matters to the communities and businesses we serve.' Supported by Local Skills Improvement Plan, through Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, UK Shared Prosperity Fund in partnership with Westmorland & Furness Council and Cumberland Council, Cumbria Tourism is committed to delivering long-term, practical solutions to tackle the skills gap and create meaningful career opportunities across the tourism and hospitality sector.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Scrapping bus fare cap 'would hit tourism jobs'
High public transport costs are a barrier to employment in the tourism industry, a business group has warned. Cumbria Tourism said a survey of its businesses found 80% of employers worried the potential removal of the £3 cap on bus fares would impact their staff's ability to get to work. "There is concern for employers that if the cap is removed, staff may stop using buses due to cost and this could affect punctuality, job access and reliability," a spokesman said. The Department for Transport (DfT) said affordable buses were "the lifeblood of communities" and the cap would be in place until the end of 2025. Previously, the cost of single bus journeys had been capped at £2, rising to £3 in January. Cumbria Tourism, which represents 4,500 businesses in the area, said the cap had been a "lifeline" for staff who often work in remote hotels and restaurants around the county. Lesley Townson, who works at Lakeside Hotel, said the cap was a "game changer" as she did not drive. "If it increased, I'd either have to rely on others to provide lifts or cut back on essentials elsewhere - neither is a great option," she said. Cumbria Tourism said it had worked with bus providers and councils to make existing buses work for hospitality employees, with the introduction of early morning and later evening services. The association said its survey also found that 40% of workers had not used buses before the cap was introduced due to high costs. Kyle Nesbitt, who works at Grasmere Gingerbread, said: "The £3 bus fare makes it possible for me to get to work without it costing a large portion of my income each week." The DfT said it had put in place a £955m bus funding package to support lower fares. "Our Bus Services Bill will further empower local councils to take control of their services in ways that work for their communities," a spokesperson said. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Rural bus services handed £1.7m funding Region's bus fares to be capped at £2.50 Cumbria Tourism
BBC News
02-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Cumbria Tourism warns bus fares prove 'a barrier' to work
High public transport costs are a barrier to employment in the tourism industry, a business group has Tourism said a survey of its businesses found 80% of employers worried the potential removal of the £3 cap on bus fares would impact their staff's ability to get to work."There is concern for employers that if the cap is removed, staff may stop using buses due to cost and this could affect punctuality, job access and reliability," a spokesman Department for Transport (DfT) said affordable buses were "the lifeblood of communities" and the cap would be in place until the end of 2025. Previously, the cost of single bus journeys had been capped at £2, rising to £3 in Tourism, which represents 4,500 businesses in the area, said the cap had been a "lifeline" for staff who often work in remote hotels and restaurants around the Townson, who works at Lakeside Hotel, said the cap was a "game changer" as she did not drive."If it increased, I'd either have to rely on others to provide lifts or cut back on essentials elsewhere - neither is a great option," she said. Bus cap incentive Cumbria Tourism said it had worked with bus providers and councils to make existing buses work for hospitality employees, with the introduction of early morning and later evening association said its survey also found that 40% of workers had not used buses before the cap was introduced due to high Nesbitt, who works at Grasmere Gingerbread, said: "The £3 bus fare makes it possible for me to get to work without it costing a large portion of my income each week."The DfT said it had put in place a £955m bus funding package to support lower fares."Our Bus Services Bill will further empower local councils to take control of their services in ways that work for their communities," a spokesperson said. Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
