Helping Themselves
to an International
Reputation
Words by David Siddall
T
he Keswick Tourism Associa-
tion is thought to be unique in
that it runs as a volunteer backed
association informing the world about
Keswick without being run by local
councils. Unlike the national chain
of tourist boards and TICs that get
massive help from the taxpayer, the
Association gets some grant aid, but
is very much a self-help success.
The Association from its modest two rooms atop
the old town hall gets the message out around the
world both through distribution of 47,000 copies of
its comprehensive 100 plus paged accommodation and
events guide, but also through it’s much visited town
website, www.keswick.org.
Its one employee, Linda Furniss, works for the
association’s membership of hotels, guest houses and
other tourism businesses across the North Lakes.
Said Linda: “The Association is run by, and for, its
members.” Linda should know, having previously run
her own guest house in the town for seven years. “So
I know how important it is to help the local guest
houses and hoteliers really put Keswick on the map.”
Linda took over the post at the KTA in January 2009
from her predecessor, Karen Walton.
“Each year we produce the full colour Keswick
lakeland guide with all the accommodation and events.
We distribute 47,000 copies of the guide all over the
country and further afield.”
She added: “You have to remember that Cumbria is
the outdoor adventure capital and we at Keswick are
the hub for that. We have such a wealth of outdoor
activities to offer, from paragliding in the air to all the
water sports and climbing, walking and cycling… it is
all here centred on Keswick.”
22
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