Cumbria’s tourism industry remains one of the county’s biggest economic drivers. That’s hardly surprising when we have the Lake District and so many other spectacular attractions to draw visitors from across the UK and around the world.
In 2024 the county’s tourism industry contributed £4.6 billion to the local economy. This supported almost 75,000 jobs, making up 28 per cent of Cumbria’s workforce.
But not even our stunning scenery can shield this vital sector from the economic challenges currently gripping much of the world. The tourism industry faces rising costs, and challenges in finding and funding staff. The challenging economic outlook also means a lack of cash in consumers’ pockets.
Against this backdrop, the latest Cumbria Tourism Business Tracker shows 74% of the businesses surveyed are concerned about the economic climate and its impact on spending.
But the results also revealed that Cumbria's tourism industry continues to have a positive outlook on the future, with more than half (54%) of those surveyed expecting to grow over the next five years.
It’s that resilience and adaptability which underlines the continued success of Cumbria’s tourism industry.
Every day our team works with tourism businesses across the county: hotels, guest houses, holiday parks, campsites, attractions, restaurants, leisure operators. This hands-on involvement gives us a unique insight into the challenges tourism businesses are wrestling with.
We are seeing many more tourism businesses diversify their income streams by expanding into areas like events, food and drink, glamping, wellness experiences and retail. It’s important that when a business evolves, its insurance arrangements evolve as well to ensure appropriate coverage.
Tourism businesses can face a range of potential risks such as flooding, equipment failure and cyber threats. While an insurance policy can’t prevent these things from happening, having the right cover can bring financial protection and peace of mind.
At H&H Insurance Brokers, insurance is about much more than simply arranging a one-size-fits-all policy. Our role is to understand each business, identify potential risks, and provide advice and support that helps owners to make informed decisions.
Being part of the local business landscape ourselves means we’re ideally placed to understand the unique challenges faced by businesses here.
Our clients benefit from direct access to experienced advisers who take the time to understand their business and provide tailored insurance solutions.
No one is claiming things are easy right now for our tourism sector. But with Cumbria’s awe-inspiring natural attractions and the dedication of those working in tourism, there’s good reason to be positive about the future. Whether you're renewing your policy or looking for advice, H&H Insurance Brokers is here to help put that future on a secure footing.
- Carlisle-based H&H Insurance Brokers works with businesses across Cumbria and is a strategic partner of Cumbria Tourism. The firm operates across the North of England and the south of Scotland.
To find out more about choosing the right insurance for your business email us at [email protected] or call your local office