Tourism Summit to debate Brexit challenges and opportunities from Chinese visitor market

The challenges of Brexit and the opportunities to attract more visitors from China to the area are just some of the topics to be debated at this year's Eden Tourism Summit,  The Summit is being held at Shap Wells Hotel on Wednesday 17 October from 10.15am to 4pm.

Each year the Tourism Summit attracts 100+ delegates who seek to explore industry issues with the members of the Eden Tourism Network and the wider local business community.

A top line up of national and international speakers will address the domestic and overseas tourism potential for Eden as a holiday destination.  Speakers will also look at potential challenges including Brexit.

Eden District Council's Team Tourism who organise the Summit each year are delighted to be welcoming The Right Honourable Viscount Lord Thurso, Chief Executive of VisitScotland to speak at the event about the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland's rural tourism economy and how we can share any lessons learned locally.

Other speakers at the Summit include:  

• Deidre Wells OBE, CEO of Visit Kent/Go To Places, former Chief Executive of UK Inbound
• Kurt Janson, Director of the Tourism Alliance
• Helen Tate, Research Manager at Cumbria Tourism

Eden District Councils new Chief Executive, Rose Rouse, will also address the Summit.

Jim Walker, Eden Tourism Network's Chair said: Tourism operators in Eden face really challenging times ahead and so never has it been as important to be well briefed and consider all options going forward with the uncertainty of Brexit and a very competitive backdrop. The speaker line up would be absolutely appropriate for a national stage.  I am really looking forward to their presentations and delighted this is all taking place in Eden."

In the afternoon a series of workshops are guaranteed to prompt lively discussions and ideas.  Topics include what Brexit might mean for local tourism businesses, how to develop your business through innovation and funding and looking at opportunities presented by the Chinese visitor market.

Jessica Goodfellow, Eden District Council's Joint Tourism Manager, said: "We are absolutely delighted to welcome our speakers to Eden. The calibre and range of speakers and workshop presenters is outstanding. The Summit promises to provide our businesses with a stimulating, thought provoking and exciting day."

Registration for the Eden Tourism Summit is now open and the cost per delegate is only £25 plus VAT. Spaces at the Summit are limited and businesses can apply by emailing tourism@eden.gov.uk