Cumbria Tourism is urging tourism and hospitality businesses across the county to take part in a survey on the day-to-day issues affecting trade and customer spending habits.
The survey is being carried out with local accountancy firm, Lamont Pridmore.
With ongoing challenges including spiralling costs and staffing issues, the organisation said it was more important than ever for businesses to play a role in shaping the future of the county’s visitor economy.
Questions cover a wide range of issues – from rising inflation and costs, to forward bookings, transport, staff housing, skills and recruitment.
Research manager at Cumbria Tourism, Helen Tate said: “This latest health check of the county’s tourism businesses is really important for helping us to understand all the key issues affecting trade – both positive and negative.
“It should take no more than 10 minutes to complete, but the feedback will help give us a very important and rich source of data, to help determine how we can best support businesses as they navigate the everyday complexities, challenges and opportunities which come their way.”
Cumbria Tourism’s managing director, Gill Haigh said: “We know businesses are under immense pressure, but every completed survey will help us make a difference.
“Real-time data gathered from businesses in Cumbria builds a true picture of what is happening ‘here and now’, and feeds directly into our lobbying work with key decision-maker, including: MPs, Government ministers and other national organisations like VisitBritain, the Tourism Alliance and UK Hospitality.
“With the continued participation of businesses in this survey, we can keep up the pressure to strengthen not just the visitor economy, but Cumbria’s economy as a whole.”
Chief executive of Lamont Pridmore, Graham Lamont said: “I urge all hospitality and tourism businesses to complete this survey to quantify the issues and opportunities the sector is currently facing.
“The economic climate remains challenging for businesses, and it is vital that Cumbria Tourism, and others, like us, have the information needed to lobby Government and offer the high-quality business advice and services you need.”
Cumbria Tourism’s latest research is open to all tourism and hospitality businesses, including retailers and transport providers, and participants do not need to be members of Cumbria Tourism to have their say.
