MP heralds Cumbria's world class hospitality industry

On the eve of British Tourism Week (12 - 20 March) South Lakes MP Tim Farron has heralded the 'World Class' tourism and hospitality sector that we have in Cumbria.

British Tourism Week aims to raise local, regional, national and international awareness of the size, value and importance ofBritain's £115 billion visitor economy.

Tim has for many months been running a campaign to boost tourism in theSouthLakesand promoteCumbriaas an 'attack brand' for British tourism. The tourism sector plays a vital role in the Cumbrian economy, providing around 32,000 jobs (Full Time Equivalents) and £2bn of investment each year.

Tim recently launched an initiative to get Twitter users to use a #visitcumbria hashtag. President Barack Obama during his recent State of the Union address launched a #visitUS campaign which asked people to tweet their favourite place inAmericaand why they loved it in a bid to boost tourism. Tim is hoping that residents can do the same with the hashtag #visitcumbria. He has also proposed that a cross-Cabinet committee be set up in order to coordinate government policies affecting the tourism industry.

Tim said: "British tourism week is a fantastic chance for us to celebrate the Cumbrian tourist sector. In the Lake District we are blessed to have so many wonderful B&B's like Riverside Bed and Breakfast in Ambleside, beautiful hotels like the Cedar Manor in Windermere and brilliant holiday parks like Holgates."

Tourism week also gives us a chance to celebrate the great work done by so many attractions to give tourists from both this country and abroad a wonderful visitor experience. I am continuing to do all I possibly can to support the tourism sector and to be a strong voice for them in Westminster."