Carlisle MP, John Stevenson has voiced his pride in Carlisle and the ‘need to rid ourselves of the hidden’ in hidden gem.

Co-ordinated by Visit England, English Tourism Week takes place from Friday 15 – Sunday 24 March.

English Tourism Week is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, highlighting its economic importance to local economies and promoting the innovation, quality and range of products and services on offer to encourage more domestic breaks.

Speaking John said: “We are spoilt for choice with so many wonderful tourist attractions and places of interest in Carlisle and the wider area.

“It is always a pleasure to show friends and colleagues around the area, with one colleague calling Carlisle ‘a hidden gem’ recently.

“We are lucky to have such natural beauty on our doorstep and so many iconic heritage attractions.

“Many of the developments we are seeing start like the railway station redevelopment, Tullie refurbishment and Citadels project will enhance these and bring more people into our area.

“English Tourism Week is a great opportunity to promote our area and thankyou to everyone who plays a part in creating an interesting and welcoming destination – tea shops, restaurants, pubs, leisure providers, arts, environment and cultural organisations and more.

“All have a part to play in the success of the area, we need to rid ourselves of the hidden and stick with the gem.”

It provides a spotlight for the amazing work that goes on each and every day to build strong and resilient destinations