Helping tourism businesses work together for a leaner, greener future will be top of the agenda at one of the visitor economy’s key yearly events next month – Cumbria Tourism’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Amid spiralling costs for businesses, the showpiece event at Kendal’s Castle Green Hotel will feature a special line-up of guest speakers to help tourism operators implement a range of cost-saving measures and become more economically and environmentally sustainable.

Practical energy-saving tips, electric vehicle charging made simple and low carbon funding opportunities will be among the topics taking centre-stage on Thursday 16 June, along with a sneak peek at the upcoming Eden North project.

That includes Electricity North West’s Strategic Decarbonisation Manager, Jonny Sadler, who will be helping businesses make sense of electric vehicle charging; from installing electric charge points to potential costs, grants and tax benefits.

Meanwhile, tourism operators will hear from the Chief Executive of the Lake District Foundation, Sarah Swindley. She will be guiding businesses through the latest case studies, trends and future opportunities to help them make the switch to more cost-efficient, low-carbon alternatives.

Then Tim Narey from Eden Project North will be sharing the latest updates on this major new attraction for Morecambe Bay, outlining what it means for the visitor economy and how it could have a far-reaching positive impact for Cumbria and the wider North West.

The AGM will also feature news and introductions from Cumbria Tourism’s newest Executive Board members, alongside a ‘Question Time’ style session with the guest panellists and an update on the organisation’s plans to support and showcase the industry over the coming months. The event is sponsored by Electricity North West.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says, “Our AGM is an important date in the calendar for tourism and hospitality businesses to come together, to share experiences and to develop new ways to tackle some of the key day-to-day challenges they are facing as they forge ahead with the first full visitor season in three years – not least the current cost of living crisis.

“At the heart of the event will be a focus on how we can all work together to develop more sustainable working practices, not only helping to safeguard our world-class destination but enabling businesses to save money and even develop new selling points.

“Our tourism member businesses will hear from expert speakers with immense experience and practical advice at this time of unprecedented rising costs. It’s also a chance to get the very latest industry updates for the county, as well as hearing more about Eden North – a major development with the potential to make a massive positive impact across our region.”

Any of Cumbria Tourism’s 2,500 member businesses can pre-book their free places for the AGM now by visiting: www.cumbriatourism.org/events

Tourism-related businesses who are interested in becoming a member of Cumbria’s official Destination Management Organisation can contact the team and speak to Ben Melling to find out more about the benefits on: 01539 822222 / bmelling@cumbriatourism.org