Armstrong Watson has thrown its support behind Cumbria’s visitor economy, as the accountants, business and financial advisers become an official strategic partner of Cumbria Tourism.

Cumbria Tourism’s strategic partners are an influential network of key tourism-related businesses, organisations and individuals who share its core values and desire to significantly grow the value of the county’s tourism sector and build a brighter, more sustainable future. 
Through the new strategic partnership, Armstrong Watson is highlighting its commitment to working alongside the county’s ‘Destination Management Organisation’ (DMO) to champion the long-term success of the county’s tourism industry and the communities it supports.
Armstrong Watson is the largest independent accountants, business and financial advisory firm in the North of England, offering a full range of specialist services to family and owner-managed businesses for more than 155 years. 
Headquartered in Carlisle, the company has 16 regional offices across Cumbria, Scotland, Yorkshire, the North West and North East. It is an ambitious and progressive ‘top 30’ firm working with a diverse range of more than 400 clients across the hospitality and tourism sector, including: bed and breakfasts, hotels, restaurants, holiday parks, caravan parks, campsites and travel companies.
Stephen McCullough, partner, head of business development and marketing, said: "We are delighted to be working with Cumbria Tourism as new strategic partners. As a firm of accountants, business and financial advisers, we are committed to supporting the tourism sector in Cumbria, helping it to grow and thrive. 
“We believe that tourism is a vital part of the local and regional economy, and we are excited to be working with Cumbria Tourism and other corporate partners to promote the county to visitors from all over the world. This new strategic partnership will help to strengthen the relationship between the two organisations and will enable us to work together more closely to promote the county as a tourism destination.”
Gill Haigh, managing director of Cumbria Tourism, added: “Our strategic partners are a group of influential, like-minded organisations who want to get behind us, to share their collective expertise and values, and to champion the delivery of effective destination marketing for the county.
“Armstrong Watson not only has a strong understanding of our visitor economy but is highly respected and regarded within the industry as an innovative and forward-thinking company. 
"As we work toward the launch of a new five-year, county-wide Destination Management Plan (DMP) in the new year, it’s a critical time for tourism and hospitality businesses and it’s vital that we all work together to ensure our industry grows and thrives for the long-term.”