On our return from San Francisco earlier this month, Group sales and Marketing Manager Asia Connor explains just why these trade trips are so important to Britain's Tourism and the local economy.
More than eight businesses from the Lake District’s took the trip over the Atlantic earlier this month to promote Cumbria to Northern American buyers, agents and media. The flagship trade mission, Destination Britain North America took place between 7 – 10 September in San Francisco, giving over 100 British suppliers the opportunity to meet with top buyers from Canada and the USA.
VisitBritain’s chairman, Nick de Bois CBE opened the event stating “It has been my pleasure to lead the organisation whilst the global spotlight has focused on Britain with events including the Coronation and Eurovision. We showcased the very best of Britain to the world, promoting Britain as THE destination to visit now.”
The eight strong contingency of businesses from the Lake District included, the county’s official Destination Management Organisation (DMO) Cumbria Tourism, Accommodation providers, English Lakes Hotels and Lake District Country Hotels and attractions Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, Mountain Goat Tours, Muncaster Castle & Gardens, The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction, Windermere Lake Cruises.
Asia Connor, Group Sales & Marketing Manager from Mountain Goat attended the mission. “It was fantastic to join forces once again with a strong contingency of Lake District businesses to put our county on the map. Following the success of last year’s event, it was a pleasure to meet with buyers again and solidify existing relationships as well as build new connections and promote Mountain Goat Tours, Northern England and Britain.
Trade shows such as these are essential to help boost overseas tourism which in turn helps boost local economies. As the tourism industries are still recovering from the pandemic, it is so important to promote and upsell the UK and northern Britain to as many overseas clients as possible.
Next stop, we’re off to India and China. We’ll certainly keep you posted!