Eden sets sails for launch of English Tourism Week

A spirit of adventure was in the air as Eden District Council's tourism team took to the water to launch English Tourism Week (30 March-7 April 2019) in Eden.

Accompanied by VisitEngland Advisory Board Chairman Denis Wormwell and a range of local tourism industry representatives, a number of exciting water based adventure activities were staged.  This showcased the wealth of outdoor activities the District has to offer.

Denis Wormwell - VisitEngland Advisory Board Chairman said: "English Tourism Week is about celebrating the quality and value of England's tourism offer. It shines the spotlight on our wonderful destinations, attractions and heritage and encouraging locals to get out and explore what's on their doorstep.  I was delighted to join Eden Council's tourism team for the day in the lead-up to English Tourism Week and see their fantastic work promoting visitor activities in the local area."

Canoeing is just one great way to explore the Ullswater Valley.  Emma Johnson of Distant Horizons, an outdoor activity provider based at Watermillock, led guests at the launch on a unique hour long canoe experience. Alongside this, Ullswater Sailing School, based at Ullswater Yacht Club (YUC) offered people the chance to try out a sailing taster session.

These sessions allow people of all abilities the chance to experience the thrill of sailing with the awe-inspiring backdrop of mountains that surround the lake.  Ullswater Sailing School run a range of Royal Yacht Association (RYA) accredited courses during the sailing season which begins on Saturday 23 March 2019.

Paul O'Hara - UYC Commodore said: "We are honoured to welcome representatives of tourism in the area to our club for the launch of English Tourism Week.  It is also the week when we launch our sailing season for 2019.  We are all looking forward to another successful year on and off the water in this beautiful location. Our club members have a common passion for sailing on Ullswater and we are always pleased to share our love of being on the lake with visitors."

English Tourism Week enables Eden's tourism industry to showcase what it has to offer, encourage people to go on their own adventure to discover new aspects of Eden. 

From activity adventures to visiting historic houses and castles the area offers something for everyone. Local TICs and Visitor Information Points offer lots of great ideas for what to in the area.  In addition, more information on things to see and do is also available on the Visit Eden website.

The launch of English Tourism Week in Eden is one of a number of events taking place around the country.  English Tourism Week has been running for over 10 years and is co-ordinated nationally by VisitEngland. Staged just before Easter, English Tourism Week aims to showcase the tremendous opportunities and achievements of the country's dynamic and professional tourism industry.

The tourism industry in Eden District generated massive £336.6 million to support the local economy in 2018.

Jessica Goodfellow, Joint Tourism Manager at Eden District Council, said: "Encouraging tourism operators to work together is an important part of sustaining and growing the visitor economy. English Tourism Week is one of many opportunities that we have during the year to raise the profile of our tourism businesses and encourage more visitors to explore and discover Eden District. Our team works in partnership with numerous tourism businesses across the district to develop and grow Eden's amazing tourism product."