THE leader of tourism in England will address a major meeting in Cumbria today.

James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland, will address a meeting of tourism businesses and leaders taking place at the Rheged Centre, Penrith, this afternoon.

It has been organised by Cumbria Tourism, whose business members meet every quarter and will bechaired by Mandy Dixon, chair of its commercial members committee.

Cumbria Tourism works with VisitEngland, the national tourist authority for England, to attract visitors to the area as well as influencing national tourism policy.

Cumbria Tourism will undergo a restructure in 2011 to become more self-financing due to a significant drop in public funding for the new financial year.

Also speaking will be Ian Stephens, chief executive of Cumbria Tourism, who will give an update on tourism in 2010 and will introduce workshops aimed at providing practical help for businesses.

The workshops will cover topical issues, such as marketing, CT’s PR and customer relations management services and website marketing.