More must be done to promote Lake District tourism says Farron

In light of a recent survey which showed that just 34% of Londoners knew where the Lake District is, South Lakes MP Tim Farron has called for the Government and the tourism industry to do more to promote the Lakes District as a tourist destination to both UK and international visitors.

The survey was carried out by Virgin Trains and saw 1,000 people living in London taking part in the online poll. The results showed that a significant number of Londoners were 'pretty vague' about the locations of some of the UK's most famous landmarks, including Hadrian's Wall. 7% of those who answered the survey also believed that Oxford was the nearest city to the Lake District.

Following these shocking results Tim is calling on the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as well as the UK's tourism industry to do more to promote Cumbria and the Lake District as a tourist destination, both at home and abroad, to ensure that more people hear and see what our towns, villages and landscapes have to offer.

Tim has consistently called for more support for Cumbria's tourism industry and campaigned to promote the Lake District as a top tourist attraction in the UK.

Commenting Tim said: "Tourism plays an absolutely vital role in our local economy. The results of this survey are therefore very concerning if many people in the biggest city in the country don't know where the Lake District is. We have so much to offer to tourists both from home and abroad, but if they don't know where we are then they will not experience everything we have to offer.

"I want the Government and the tourism industry to designate Cumbria and the Lakes as an attack brand for a tourism campaign here in the UK. We have fantastic attractions, unique hospitality and breathtaking scenery - just think how many more visitors we could gain if they just knew where we are and how easy it is to get here! That can only benefit to our local tourism industry here in Cumbria."