13 March 2008

Eric Robson Chairs Unique Tourism Question Time

Nationally broadcaster and Chairman of Cumbria Tourism, Eric Robson, chaired a distinguished panel of tourism experts at a special Tourism Question Time which took place in Eden as part of British Tourism Week 2008.

The special event was held at The Roundthorn Hotel, Penrith and was organised by Eden District Council's Economic Development and Tourism section as part of a week long initiative to raise awareness of the importance of tourism to the area's economy.

An invited audience of over 50 people drawn from all sectors of the tourism industry from accommodation and attraction operators to consultants and policy decision makers had an opportunity to network before and after the Question Time.

Left to Right: James Berresford - Director of Tourism, NWDA; Eric Robson - Question Time Chairman; Alison Cryer - Chairman of The Tourism Society; Charles Thornton Richard Greenwood - Director of Development, Cumbria Tourism; Kevin Douglas - Chief Executive, Eden District Council

The Tourism Question Time Panel comprised:

Alison Cryer - Chairman, The Tourism Society
James Berresford - Director of Tourism, Northwest Development Agency
Richard Greenwood - Development Director, Cumbria Tourism
Kevin Douglas - Chief Executive, Eden District Council

Eden's Chief Executive Kevin Douglas said: "The Tourism Question Time was an excellent way to mark British Tourism Week in Eden and I would like to thank all those who helped make this event happen particularly Charles Thornton, Eden's TIC Network Manager for co-ordinating the event. We have had a very lively and credible debate here tonight, discussing all kinds of issues from Tourism funding streams, the relationship between tourism and farming to parking costs and also whether tourists like Windfarms.

"The other panellists and I certainly enjoyed speaking to the members of the audience at the networking buffet which was generously sponsored by a consortium of local hotels including The Roundthorn, The North Lakes and The Temple Sowerby House."

Eric Robson, Chairman of Cumbria Tourism said: "It was a highly successful evening with lots of interesting and thought-provoking debates on issues ranging from farming to the future of tourism in years to come. Tourism is vital to the wellbeing and economy of Cumbria and Eden and we must continue to stay ahead of the game if we are to compete against other destinations around the world, which are raising standards and attracting visitors year after year.

"Events and debates like this one play a hugely important role in engaging with the industry and all of the hard-working individuals that help to grow Eden's tourist economy."

Tom Wright, Chief Executive of VisitBritain, said: "Its great news that Eden Tourism has once again again thrown its weight behind British Tourism Week and I am glad to hear people have taken this opportunity to learn more about the critical importance of tourism to supporting jobs and livelihoods in Eden."

British Tourism Week information can be found at: www.britishtourismweek.com