CUMBRIA is set for an economic boost as direct air links with China will be restored for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

Hainan Airlines has resumed its Beijing-Manchester service from this week.

The news has been hailed as a major boost to the North and the UK’s levelling-up ambitions with Manchester Airport becoming the only gateway outside of London with a direct service to mainland China.

The Mail: BeijingBeijing

Pre-pandemic, there were around 100,000 people a year who travelled between Manchester and Beijing from the airport’s catchment area.

Economic impact studies showed the route led to a 38 per cent increase in Chinese visitors to the North with an average spend per visit increasing by 94 per cent and export values grew by 41 per cent.

Jennifer Cormack, sales and marketing director for Windermere Lake Cruises and Chair of The English Lake District China Forum, said: “We are delighted that direct flights between Beijing and Manchester Airport are resuming. Before the Covid pandemic disrupted travel, the Lake District saw incredible growth in the number of tourists coming from China. It helped create jobs and brought success to our local businesses.

“In 2019, Windermere Lake Cruises welcomed record numbers of tourists from China with a report showing how visitor numbers from the country had increased by a massive 286 per cent since June 2016. We are working hard to drive our appeal to overseas markets and we are confident the resumption of direct flights will help.”

The Mail: Chinese tourists enjoying WindermereChinese tourists enjoying Windermere

Sue Clarke, marketing manager at Cumbria Tourism, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome back such a key travel route to the region. Pre pandemic international tourism made up over 10 per cent of the overall visitor economy in Cumbria but for some businesses this could be up to 25 per cent and China was one of our biggest markets.

“The Lake District, Cumbria had become an established destination choice for the Chinese market who absolutely loves the history and culture the area has to offer and we were beginning to see increasing numbers of independent travellers exploring more widely and discovering the hidden gems dotted around our diverse county so this is great news and we look forward to welcoming them back.”