Cumbria Tourism will welcome nationally recognised speakers to its latest member’ event as the organisation explores how the industry can make the most of future opportunities and prepare for new challenges.

Held at Carus Green Golf Club, Kendal today Thursday 18th November, attendees will hear the latest updates from the county’s official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) on the organisation’s research, marketing and lobbying activity as the industry prepares to make the most of 2022 and beyond.

Alongside these updates keynote speakers include Nick de Bois, Chair of the VisitEngland Advisory Board and author of the independent review of Destination Management Organisations and Hanna Ostling, Head of Tourism Sponsorship and Strategy at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The event will also include a Q&A panel with Hanna and Cumbria Tourism representatives as the county comes together in-person for the first time since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss and consider opportunities and challenges for 2022 and beyond.

Gill Haigh, Cumbria Tourism Managing Director, said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic Cumbria Tourism has greatly strengthened its bonds with DCMS as we lobbied vigorously and effectively to ensure decisions considered Cumbria’s visitor economy wherever possible. Now, the focus is how we move forward, adapt to new challenges and seize opportunities.

“I know that our members will take a great deal away from Nick’s presentation. He has an incredible amount of experience both from his time as an MP and as leader of VisitEngland’s Advisory Board. Cumbria Tourism fed into the recent DMO review and now, following its publication earlier this year, we’re awaiting news on how the Government will adopt its recommendations, and what this means for our members long term.”

The event also includes the option for attendees to attend virtually, making this the first hybrid event ever organised by the DMO.