PEOPLE from all corners of Cumbria are being encouraged to sample the best of the county’s visitor attractions during a special new initiative called Residents’ Week.
The first-ever Residents’ Week will take place from Saturday October 2 to October 10, 2021, with more than 75 local businesses signed up to the scheme including Whinlatter Forest, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway (known as the La’al Ratty), Tullie House Museum in Carlisle, Ullswater Steamers, and Barrow’s Urban Extreme Indoor Skate Park.
Cumbrian residents who go to visit a participating business and make a qualifying purchase of £10 or more will be given a code to enter themselves into a draw giving them a chance to win a fantastic prize donated by the businesses taking part. Once a resident receives a code to enter the prize draw it should be inputted on the Residents’ Week website here
Prizes include two-night stays, meal vouchers, gift vouchers, food hampers, bottles of champagne, memberships, free cocktails, film tickets and more.
Businesses that count visitors and tourism as a significant part of their custom can still join the scheme to showcase their offer to local people.
The initiative has been put together through a partnership of Cumbria’s six district councils with the support of Cumbria Tourism and Keswick Tourism Association.
It is hoped that the scheme will help to support the business community to bounce back from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic by encouraging Cumbria’s residents to sample the great attractions, venues, eateries, hotels, shops and more on their doorstep.
Councillor Lee Roberts, deputy leader of Barrow Borough Council and its lead member for economic development, said: "Residents’ Week is a great opportunity to revisit and also discover the excellent businesses and attractions that exist right on our doorstep.
“The support provided by local residents will also be a superb boost to them just as the traditional tourist season is winding down, particularly given the difficult times they have endured over the last 18 months.
“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of residents supporting their local businesses and Cumbria Residents’ Week is one way we can keep this support going and help our great local businesses go from surviving to flourishing.”
Any business that wants to participate should complete the form here by 30th September, 2021. Any queries about the initiative can be sent to tourism@allerdale.gov.uk.