EDEN'S tourism businesses will gather next week for a free online summit hosted by Eden District Council Wednesday 1st December.

Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from local and national experts about how the tourism industry is adapting in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Jim Walker, chair of the Eden Tourism Network, said: "This is our second virtual Eden Tourism Summit. We held a successful online Summit last year which was well received by the delegates who attended.

"Coronavirus has been an incredibly difficult and testing time for the tourism industry and Eden’s tourism businesses have had to adapt more than ever before.

"The Summit will give delegates the opportunity to find out the latest research directly from the experts."

This is the 10th year that the Eden Tourism Summit will take place, and it will explore the theme 'Tourism in Eden: Adapting to the new ‘normal’ and capitalising on new opportunities going forward.' Speakers will be talking about Covid recovery opportunities and will also cover the issues of Brexit and staff recruitment.

The Summit will feature high profile tourism experts including Kurt Janson, director of The Tourism Alliance, who will address the current challenges and opportunities faced by the visitor economy.

Charlotte Fuke of the Tactical Visitor Management Group, Lake District National Park Authority and Gill Haigh, Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism complete the speaker line-up.

Jim Walker will Chair the event and has said that he is delighted that Eden businesses will be able to tap into local and national expertise.

Tourism businesses who attend will be able to ask questions and a panel session at the end will encourage lively debate and discussion.

Councillor Mary Robinson, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Economies and Enterprise at Eden District Council, said: "We are very much looking forward to welcoming our businesses to our tenth annual Summit. After careful consideration we decided to again hold the event on line and are really hoping to plan an in person event in 2022."

If you are an Eden tourism business and would like to attend, please register before the closing date of 12pm on Tuesday 30th November on Eventbrite.

For further information email tourism@eden.gov.uk or visit www.visiteden.co.uk