The Cumbria Tourism Podcast

Alex Greenwood is the Managing Director at S-Cape Partners UK - a European travel operator that specializes in active holidays, bringing international visitors to the UK to enjoy walking and cycling trips.  In this episode, we take a walk along the new Westmorland & Furness Way to discuss current trends in active and adventure tourism, why slow travel is great for rural communities, and the importance of showing off what makes you unique. Alex is also full of advice and ideas to help you appeal to this visitor and take advantage of all of the opportunities out there.Find out more about S-Cape Partners here:https://www.s-capepartners.eu/office/s-cape-partners-united-kingdomAnd the Westmorland & Furness Way here: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/westmorland-and-furness-wayCumbria Tourism members can also apply to join the Walkers Welcome scheme: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe7lEdRDRhvEF9Zte0guRFwb0ffMI0Azt4UVtXEyPRDWpQttA/viewformAnd the Cyclists Welcome scheme: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVPW3nHeSCvcaW7NjxtCO7q2anUxfnIeMallPwC4eCW5TDyg/viewform

Attracting international visitors is a key priority for Cumbria Tourism. Francine Bult leads on this activity for Cumbria Tourism and in this episode we speak to her about all the ways you can get involved. We discuss why international visitors are so valuable for the county, how travel trade works, and Cumbria Tourism's stance on sustainability when it comes to international travel. Francine is also full of superb advice and guidance on how you can get travel trade ready and appeal to international visitors.Check here for Cumbria Tourism's resources on international marketing: https://www.cumbriatourism.org/campaigns/international-travel-trade/ Francine mentions resources from VisitBritain. Their in market webinars can be found here:https://www.visitbritain.org/training-and-events/international-market-webinars Their inbound market data can be found here: https://www.visitbritain.org/research-insights/inbound-marketsThanks for listening and don't forget to subscribe.

Mark Holroyd is the North England Director at Forestry England and the Chair of the Executive Board at Cumbria Tourism. In this episode, Mark talks us through Cumbria Tourism's key strategies and priorities. We discuss lobbying on behalf of the visitor economy, new projects and innovations, and tourism being a force for good. We also cover how Cumbria Tourism are responding to current challenges within the industry, and what opportunities lie on the horizon for businesses. From marketing and networking events to workforce activity and expert training and advice - this conversation demonstrates the multiple ways in which Cumbria Tourism is working hard to support the visitor economy in all seasons and in all corners of the county. Find out more about our work including details of the wider destination management plan at: www.cumbriatourism.orgIf you'd like to find out more about membership then please get in touch with the team at: [email protected]

Sarah Dunning was awarded the Bernard Gooch Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 Cumbria Tourism Awards. She was recognised for her outstanding contribution to our region’s food culture, rural economy and visitor offer through her leadership of Westmorland - the family-owned business behind Tebay, Gloucester, and Cairn Lodge Services, as well as Rheged.I had the privilege of making a film about Sarah that was shown at the awards, and in this episode I find out more about her approach to business at Westmorland. From branding and the customer journey to colleague engagement and lessons learnt - you'll find plenty of excellent ideas and lots of inspiration. Please do subscribe and share this episode with someone you know to help us grow the audience for the podcast.Watch the Bernard Gooch Award film about her here:https://youtu.be/wygxkBlm7u0?si=7__kic_zQVEV7By8Find out more about Westmorland here:https://westmorlandfamily.com/

The Cumbria Tourism team are full of ideas on the best ways to travel car free. In this episode we speak to Project Officer Amanda Shaw about her work on the Go Car Free campaign and the potential benefits to businesses. We then put these ideas into action by taking the podcast on the road. Joining Sustainable Tourism Officer Gemma Procter on a bus trip through the Central Lakes, we visit businesses in Hawkshead and Coniston, and discuss the latest updates on the Three Valleys project.Useful links:The Go Car Free campaign: https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/plan-your-visit/travel/carfreeShuttle bus info:https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/plan-your-visit/travel/travel-car-free-and-saveThe 3 Valleys project:https://www.cumbriatourism.org/campaigns/sustainable-travel/the-three-valleys/Sign up for Go Car Free updates:https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/offers/sign-up-to-newsletterSmart Travel Planner:https://www.cumbriatourism.org/campaigns/sustainable-travel/smart-travel-planner/Tickets with Stagecoach:https://www.stagecoachbus.com/thelakesHawkshead Relish:https://www.hawksheadrelish.com/Ruskin Museum: https://ruskinmuseum.com/Thought this was a useful episode? Please do subscribe and share with someone you know to help us grow the audience for the podcast.