Vital survey to examine impact of cost of living crisis on tourism businesses
Amid the growing energy crisis, rising inflation and skyrocketing costs, Cumbria Tourism has launched a new ‘business tracker’ survey to gather ‘real-time’ data from tourism operators about the issues facing them as they head into the challenging autumn and winter months.
Working alongside Cumbrian accountancy firm Lamont Pridmore, Cumbria’s official Destination Management Organisation has launched the in-depth business survey to better understand the key challenges facing businesses right now.
As well as providing first-hand, up-to-date evidence to inform destination marketing on behalf of the county, this crucial data will be used to make Cumbria’s case with national decision-makers and industry bodies including UK Hospitality and The Tourism Alliance.
Managing Director of Cumbria Tourism, Gill Haigh, says, “There are many challenges on the horizon for tourism businesses and this survey spans a wide range of questions, from the energy crisis and spiralling costs to recruitment issues, transport and staff housing. It also explores forward bookings for the winter.
“We know businesses are worried, but this research will enable us to dig down deeper into the experiences of individual operators and emphatically prove that to key decision-makers. It just takes a few minutes to complete and every business who fill in the anonymous survey really is helping us provide concrete information we can take to the highest levels of government.
“Tourism and hospitality are vital for supporting local jobs and communities, and this type of data was vital for making Cumbria’s case for more support during the pandemic. Once again, it’s time for tourism businesses to make their voices heard!”
She adds, “Over the past two and half years, I’ve been blown away by tourism operators’ creativity, resilience and sheer tenacity to find new ways to diversify and develop. As well as highlighting problems, the survey is also a way for businesses to highlight new ideas, innovations and potential solutions to help us collectively – both as a county and an industry – to meet the undoubted challenges of the months ahead.”
Tourism-related businesses of all shapes and sizes are being urged to complete the survey now: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/interview/a9a72fae-a0f0-4fb8-9be1-374bcdd12d21