The area’s MP has written to government ministers, asking for them to give more support to the tourism and hospitality sector.
Neil Hudson, who represents Penrith and the Border, arranged a round table event with Cumbria Tourism at Ullswater as part of English Tourism Week 2022.
The event discussed the importance of Cumbria’s visitor economy and the current issues faced by local businesses.
Local tourism operators including 1863, Lake District Estates, The Quiet Site, Meadow View B&B and hosts Waterside House Campsite, discussed the ups and downs of the pandemic from lockdowns and staycations to staffing issues and the rising costs of fuel and gas.
Dr Hudson said: “As the MP representing so many fantastic tourism and hospitality businesses, it was really good to meet with and listen to the concerns of local businesses and to ensure that these are passed onto my colleagues in Government.
“Tourism and hospitality businesses have struggled with two years of uncertainty, but they have kept going and survived and I am so impressed by their tenacity and dedication.
“To that end, I have written to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, DCMS Secretary Nadine Dorries and Home Secretary Priti Patel, calling for the temporary reduction in VAT to be extended past the March deadline, ongoing support for Business Rates Relief, and support for workforce visas and housing.
“We need urgent action on fuel costs, gas and oil costs, as well as action on VAT for the tourism and hospitality sector. The cost of living crisis is hitting households and businesses alike and I am urging the Chancellor to act with emergency measures in a similar way to the support measures that saved so many businesses in the pandemic.
“I will continue to push the Government to do everything it can to continue to support these businesses which are so vital for our local economy.”
Jim Walker, chair of Cumbria Tourism, said after the meeting: “This was a great opportunity for tourism operators in the constituency to talk directly to Neil about the challenges and opportunities they continue to face pos-pandemic.”
