Cumbria Tourism’s Future Trends & Innovation Conference brought together over 160 industry professionals for a packed day of learning, collaboration, and thought-provoking discussions.
Featuring six engaging sessions, the event explored key topics shaping the future of the tourism and hospitality industry, including future visitor trends; workforce challenges, sustainable food, travel and innovation in marketing and technology.
Attendees were treated to dynamic panel discussions, audience Q&As, and exclusive insights from industry leaders, with a strong focus on collaboration and action to overcome current challenges and build resilience across the sector.
Event host, Andrew Stokes OBE, England director, Visit England, said: “Tourism and hospitality face challenging times, but our industry’s resilience is a strength. Skills remain a major challenge, and improving the perception of the visitor economy as a great place to work is crucial. Rising costs are also impacting SMEs, highlighting the need for constant innovation. In Cumbria, we’re fortunate to have a strong foundation, with widespread recognition of the visitor economy’s importance and the goodwill to welcome visitors with open arms.”
The conference, a flagship event in Cumbria Tourism’s 50th anniversary year, raised an impressive £14,000 for the Cumbria Tourism 50th Anniversary Fund, launched in partnership with Cumbria Community Foundation.
The fund will go towards supporting young people to remain in Cumbria, providing them with opportunities to kickstart their training and careers in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, said: “Our Future Trends & Innovation Conference was an incredible day of learning, discussion, and collaboration, bringing together over 160 people to address the challenges and opportunities ahead for Cumbria’s tourism and hospitality sectors.
“The insights and conversations from the event will also play a crucial role in shaping Cumbria Tourism’s business planning and strategic focus, helping us better support local businesses and enhance the region’s destination appeal in the years to come. Thank you to our sponsors, speakers and finally our attendees.”
Tourism students from Manchester Metropolitan University, Liverpool Hope University, and the University of Cumbria joined us for a special panel discussion.
After spending the day learning from industry leaders, they shared their unique perspectives and ideas on the future of the tourism economy.
Gabriella Heskett, tourism student from Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “I’m so incredibly optimistic after today. It’s been so insightful, there is a lot of food for thought there. The education that I’ve received just from speaking to these people and hearing their thoughts today has just been fantastic.”
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