4 days ago
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.
