Not for profit and non political: Our priority is to support any business in its desire to invest in the landscape and environment. We are funded by over 230 businesses who are commited to local conservation work and who between them have raised over £1 million for this work in Cumbria.
Who are we? The Partnership benefits from a significant degree of high level support from both leading conservation organisations and businesses within Cumbria. Many of these organisations are also represented on our Board.
History & Aims
The Tourism and Conservation Partnership was originally
created in 1993 as a scheme to demonstrate that the tourism industry
and conservation organisations could be mutually supportive.
The Visitor Payback fundraising approach is an opportunity for tourism
visitors to interact with the landscape, and take ownership of conservation
work.
Initial funding was provided by Cumbria Tourist Board, Cumbria Training
and Enterprise Council, the Lake District National Park Authority, The
National Trust and the Rural Development Commission. This funding facilitated
a project officer, and this post has now evolved into the organisation
we are today, with four staff members.
By 1995 conservation projects were securing significant private sector
sponsorship. In March 1997, The Partnership achieved independence as
a non-profit distributing company limited by guarantee.
Today we have a membership of over 200 businesses and conservation organisations,
working together to ensure a sustainable future for Cumbrias beautiful
landscapes.
Our Mission Statement
That Sustainable Tourism (in the Visitor Payback sense) becomes an industry standard within Cumbria (where appropriate developing throughout the North West and the UK), with The Tourism and Conservation Partnership as an exemplar in its field.
National Geographic definition of 'Sustainable Tourism':
In its purest sense is an industry which attempts to make a low impact
on the environment and local culture, while helping to generate income,
employment and the conservation of local ecosystems. It is responsible
tourism which is both ecologically and culturally sensitive.
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To raise funds from visitors and tourism businesses to maintain and enhance Cumbria. |
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To secure improvements to the Cumbrian environment, promoting awareness that responsible sustainable tourism can benefit a fragile landscape and secure a prosperous future for businesses. |
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To maintain an effective non-political forum, which brings together business, conservation and amenity organisations to foster understanding and promote members. |
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Awards
We are, quite simply, unique. We're also living proof that visitor payback fundraising can make a real difference to landscape conservation. In recognition of this fact we've won quite a few accolades. These include;
- First Choice Responsible Tourism Award 2005 (Highly Commended)
- Business in the Community The Sieff Award 2003 (Winner)
- British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow 2002 (Highly Commended)
- British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow 2000 (Winner)
- British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow 1997 (Highly Commended)
Meet the Team
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Claire Chapman - Partnership Manager Joined the partnership in 2005, moving from a position as Regeneration Manager for NWDA. Claire enjoys climbing, mountain biking and generally being outdoors when the sun shines. |
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Sarah Caley - Office Manager Sarah has been with the Partnership since Autumn 2003, she joined after finishing her degree in Tourism, Leasuire & Management at University of Central Lancashire. |
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Tori Dodd - Marketing and Development Manager Tori joined the Partnership in Spring 2006, after working for Lancaster University. Tori enjoys all things outdoors and is very much a 'greeny' at heart! |
Our Board |
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Chris Collier (Chairman) |
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| Stephen Broughton(Vice Chairman) Stephen owns Mountain Goat transport and the Lindeth Howe Hotel in Windermere. He is also involved with the B4 Network, an award winning environmentally sustainable transport scheme in the south lakes area. |
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| Peter and Sue Jackson Owners of Heart of the Lakes, a holiday cottage letting company. Peter is also Company Secretary. Heart of the Lakes is a corporate member of our organisation, and key fundraiser. |
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| Michael Robinson Owner of the Burn How Garden House Hotel in Windermere. |
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| John Darlington The National Trust North West Region. |
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| Simon Berry Managing Director of English Lakes Hotels, one of the largest hotel businesses in Cumbria, and a strong corporate member and fundraiser. |
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| Barry Colam Owner of Cumbria House Guest House, the first and only establishment in Cumbria to gain the ‘Green Globe’ environmental standard. |
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| Ian Stephens Chief Executive of the Cumbria Tourist Board. |
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David Stanning David was manager of The Langdale Estate, the organisation which innovated 'Our Man at the Top' and has recently moved to Zeffirrellis in Ambleside. |
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| Bob Cartwright Advisor to the Board, Director of Park Services, the Lake District National Park Authority. |
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| John Redgate Advisor to the Board, Representative from Natural England. |
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