Top tourism officials are set to meet with businesses from the sector later this month.

Cumbria Tourism's Annual General Meeting will take place on June 27 at Penrith’s Roundthorn Country House Hotel.

David Martin, head of tourism strategy and sponsorship at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, and Tim Jenkins who is policy and public affairs manager at VisitBritain will be the headline speakers.

With just one week before the official launch of Carlisle Lake District Airport on July 4, Stobart Group’s Kate Willard will reveal the latest on the first scheduled passenger flights for more than 25 years.

Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, said: “Our latest research reveals the massive £3billion contribution tourism makes to our county and we’re delighted to be welcoming a great selection of high-level speakers to our AGM, who can update and inspire local businesses on the important issues facing our growing industry.

“We are proud to be working at both a regional and national level to champion Cumbria’s tourism sector and we know that the latest insights from VisitBritain and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport will be invaluable to local businesses who want to continue growing and innovating for the future.

“It is great to know that the Government recognises the value of rural tourism, although it’s also vital that we work together to take full advantage of the opportunities and tackle the challenges tourism businesses face on a day-to-day level.”