Its new 50th Anniversary Fund, launched today to coincide with Cumbria Tourism’s landmark anniversary year, will help people aged 16+ access career opportunities in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Recognising the barriers faced by some as they contemplate a career in the industry, the fund will be administered by Cumbria Community Foundation. It will provide financial support for specialist equipment, training, study materials, travel costs, and more.

In turn, it’s hoped the extra support will enhance in-county opportunities and encourage a new raft of people who are interested in pursuing tourism and hospitality careers but have previously been put off by the associated costs.

Cumbria Tourism has set a fundraising target of £50,000 for 2024 for its 50th Anniversary Fund, with plans to replicate this over each of the next four years to create an Acorn fund that will continue giving long into the future.

To help reach its target, Cumbria Tourism will be holding a series of special fundraising events throughout the year, including a Cross Bay Walk and a Charity Golf Day. A number of fundraising social events will also be held and individual businesses will be encouraged to support the new fund. This will be supported by sales of the MyCumbria card, with 10% of all proceeds from the residents’ loyalty card going towards the new fund.

Acorn Funds are invested, with the returns being used to fund grants and ensure long-term support for the voluntary and community organisations that Cumbria Community Foundation works with.

Cumbria Tourism President, Jim Walker, comments: “In Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary year, we are not only looking back at the past five last decades, we’re also looking to the future and focusing on the new innovators who will help take our industry forward in the coming years.

“The new 50th Anniversary Fund is all about supporting new tourism talent – of any age – and giving them a helping hand as they launch their career in this diverse and fast-changing sector. With flexible working opportunities, live-in vacancies and new ways to promote work-life balance, we know there is something for everyone and want to give more people the chance to make their first step on their personal career paths.”

Chris Sanderson, a Trustee of Cumbria Community Foundation, says: “We are delighted to be working with the team at Cumbria Tourism and their members in their 50th Anniversary year to create this vital new fund that will underpin support to people starting off on their professional journey in the world of hospitality. Tourism is a mainstay of our economy, celebrating and promoting our landscapes, food, farming, culture and heritage.”

To qualify for Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Fund, applicants must be aged 16 years or over and either live and study in Cumbria OR be newly employed in the county’s tourism and hospitality sector.
To find out more or to apply, click here or contact Tracy Cheesbrough on grants@cumbriafoundation.org or 01900 825760.