Cumbria and its appeal to groups will be under the microscope during February when tourism businesses come face to face with tour planners from around the UK – and they’re all socially distanced.

These businesses include iconic attractions such as Muncaster Castle, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ and Honister Slate Mines with its Via Ferrata and tours of the mine to name just a few.

A collaboration between Lake District based Tapir Destination Marketing and Steve Reed Tourism Ltd of Hampshire will offer tour buyers and sellers the chance to talk business between 15th to the 19th February during the Cumbria Showcase.

Tour planners – coach and tour operators and group travel organisers – interested in taking their groups to Cumbria will be offered a variety of opportunities and benefits through registering for this FREE event. They’ll have the chance to choose from a number of group friendly attractions and venues within Cumbria and to make appointments to have video meetings with the people behind them.

Attendees can also browse the virtual stands which all include pictures, descriptions and contact details. They can also download any information and join the exhibitors in a special video room.

GTOS and coach and tour operators will be invited to attend talks and seminars and can obtain a PDF catalog of all exhibitors for their follow up.

‘With the current uncertainty caused by lockdowns and travel restrictions, many tour planners are very keen to firm up their tour plans,’ say Paul Kleian of Tapir Destination Marketing. ‘The easy to use and business-like remote format of the Cumbria Showcase is an ideal and safe alternative for planners of tours as well as for tourism businesses who want to attract new group bookings.’

Already over 200 buyers of tours from around the world have signed up to the Cumbria Showcase and places for this important and ground breaking event are much in demand.

‘We’re inviting planners of tours, short breaks, holidays and excursions to participate in this highly enjoyable and valuable set piece,’ explains Steve Reed of Steve Reed Tourism Ltd. ‘It’s good to be able to work with Paul on an initiative that has certainly found its time and place.’

Places for tour planners are subject to eligibility and availability. Anyone interested in registering should follow this link: https://www.tourismlakedistrict.com/register

Any Cumbrian business looking to exhibit during the Showcase should use this link: https://www.tapirco.com/lakes-travel-showcase

Rachel Bell, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Ullswater Steamers and Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway said, ‘We are delighted to be working with other Cumbria partners at this new and innovative group showcase event. We must be positive and support each other as part of the essential recovery process for the travel trade industry and hospitality as a whole in the region.’

PHOTO: Pixabay