Holiday Inn Express Barrow-in-Furness has joined the Cumbria Tourism group of strategic partners in a move aimed at strengthening work to promote Barrow and the wider Furness Peninsula.
The agreement comes as the area undergoes sustained investment, including the Government’s £200m Barrow Transformation Fund. The decade-long programme is intended to support regeneration, improve infrastructure and create new opportunities for residents and businesses.
Barrow is nationally known for advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding and the nuclear sector, but the region’s cultural attractions, coastal landscape and heritage sites are playing a growing role in the visitor offer. Assets such as Furness Abbey, The Dock Museum, Walney’s beaches and access to the wider Furness coast are seen as helping to broaden appeal for leisure and business travel.
Cumbria Tourism managing director Gill Haigh said the partnership marked an important step in raising the area’s profile.
She said: “Barrow and the Furness Peninsula has a range of strengths that deserve greater visibility. Tourism, culture and hospitality can support the area’s wider ambitions by bringing more people into the town, helping businesses grow and contributing to long-term plans. This partnership helps us work more closely with others to further develop the offer and help enhance the area not only as a place to visit but also to live, work, study and invest.”
Holiday Inn Express Barrow-in-Furness, a multi award winning hotel in the town centre, already attracts a mix of business and leisure guests heading to the South Lakes and the Furness coast.
Craig Healey, general manager at Holiday Inn Express Barrow-in-Furness, added: “Holiday Inn Express Barrow-in-Furness and South Lakes are delighted to join Cumbria Tourism as a strategic partner.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting the region’s visitor economy and helping promote Barrow and the Furness Peninsula as a key destination within Cumbria. Our hotel welcomes a broad mix of business and leisure guests, and we’re looking forward to contributing more actively to regional activity that supports sustainable tourism and long-term economic growth.”
