Businesses will be given the chance to learn more about the accessible tourism market at an event tomorrow.

Tourism and hospitality operators are due to come together at the Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa to explore the growing accessible tourism market.

Cumbria Tourism says one in five visits to Cumbria involve someone with additional needs and the event will show how businesses can become more welcoming to visitors of all abilities.

Julia Walker, development manager at local charity Lake District Mobility, will be one of the speakers sharing their experience and knowledge of the area.

Julia said: “Twenty per cent of tourism visitors to Cumbria include somebody with a disability and this figure is expected to increase in the near future so it’s vital that hotels, restaurants and attractions right across the county ensure that they’re open and welcoming to all potential customers.

"Disability comes in many forms, some more visible than others and there are many things businesses can do to make peoples’ stays easier and much more welcoming, increasing the chances of them returning again and again.”

Attendees will also hear from Mark Holroyd, head of recreation and communications (North of England) at Forestry England, who will detail the tourism potential of Cumbria’s dark skies, particularly in generating off-season bookings.

The day will also include an update on Cumbria Tourism’s recent activity, including a nationwide sustainable transport marketing campaign funded by the rail industry which has already saved an estimated 1.3 million car miles.

The latest #theplacetobe campaign aims to attract visitors to the county all year round, with a particular focus on the health and wellness benefits.

Gill Haigh, Cumbria Tourism managing director, said: “We hold regular events for our members throughout the year and they are always fantastic opportunities for our members to meet and network with other tourism business and discover new ways in which they can work together for our thriving industry.

"We have a great collection of passionate speakers attending and I know they will inspire everyone who attends to even greater things."