Dear Colleague
I am delighted to let you know that Cumbria Tourism has been successful in an application to the North West Development Agency for significant funding to help promote and develop business tourism in Cumbria. Carlisle Tourism Partnership, which incorporates Carlisle Conference Group, have been asked by Cumbria Tourism to take the lead on this project for the county, and we are delighted to do so.
I am writing to you to give you an opportunity to participate in a brand new package for business tourism in the county. The programme, which will give businesses the opportunity to benefit from at least £150,000 worth of activity, will run from 1st October 2009 until 30th September 2011, and will include:
Brand new website which will include full conference enquiry service software package Marketing and promotional activities including advertising, research and sales Attendance at Confex 2010, followed by a major launch later in the year. Professional PR including product launch, familiarisation visits and enhanced media coverage and profile Cluster development and market intelligence sharing events AIM CUMBRIA inspection (x2) and accreditation for 2 years(This alone would normally be £350 per year for an individual business)
Business tourism “toolkit” with help and advice on policies and proceduresA steering group to manage and develop this package met and decided that we should offer this package to industry at a reduced rate for the first 2 years, to encourage businesses to get involved. Therefore, the total price for the 24 month programme is only £499 + VAT. As a member of the scheme, you will be invited to regular meetings to help shape the way the programme is developed, and we will welcome your input and views.
To celebrate the launch of this new initiative, everyone who signs up to the package, by completing the attached form, before Monday 5th October, will also be allocated 1 place at the official launch event on 22nd October at Carlisle Racecourse. This will involve a “Cluster Meeting” from 10am-11am, a talk from guest speaker Jane Evans, Chief Executive of MIA and then an afternoon of racing and networking, including a 3 course lunch. Although we do appreciate that a full day is a lot to be away from your business, this is a one off launch event, and we think the networking opportunities and profile raising will be extremely worthwhile for your business. In addition, it is your opportunity to help shape the way we market business tourism in Cumbria. If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
