Lakeland businessman bidding to welcome more visitors from China

A Lake District businessman has made his luxury home ‘Chinese- ready’ to help boost tourism from China in Cumbria.

Dominic Gordon, who owns the Waternook Lakeside Estate on the shores of Ullswater, has joined VisitEngland’s GREAT China Welcome’ – an initiative, which aims to make Britain the most welcoming destination in Europe for Chinese visitors.

He joins business giants British Airways and Harrods, who have also signed up to the scheme.

Gordon is hoping that his luxury estate, which is let with Windermere and Keswick -based Lakelovers,  will attract more overseas visitors  to the Lake District – in particular the Chinese, who spend more than £400m on trips to the UK each year.

He’s already translated his website into Chinese and has set up Weibo and WeChat in an effort to help the Lake District cash in on the high-spending tourists.

 “Visit Britain’s GREAT China Welcome is important because it aims to make Britain the destination of choice for the rapidly-growing Chinese market,” said Gordon, 33.

“And with the number of people travelling to the UK from China expecting to treble by 2020 this is a key opportunity for the UK and for The Lake District as the jewel in the crown.

“With this in mind I thought it was crucial for Waternook or 湖之私隅 (our name in simplified Chinese), to be ‘China-ready’ and show we are committed to providing exceptional service to Chinese travellers; just as we are to guests of any nationality.”

The entrepreneur, whose Waternook was named in the top 12 by Sunday Times in Great Britain and scooped the number one spot in the Lake District, has also translated his website into Chinese, Russian and Arabic in the hope of wooing guests from more overseas countries.

But says it would be a big boost for Cumbria if guests came to stay in the area from China – now the world’s largest outbound tourism market.

“As China is one of the main emerging markets it is crucial for businesses in the Lake District to understand what motivates these travellers so they can adapt their offer and put together an attractive package,” added Gordon.

Paul Liddell, managing director of Lakelovers, says the company is looking forward to being part of the drive to boost Chinese visitors.

“There is a huge economic benefit to the Lake District in attracting more Chinese visitors, not only from the point of view from holiday let owners, but also in that these visitors will then spend in the local shops, restaurants, bars and cafes and attractions,” he said.

“So, if properties such as Waternook can attract visitors from countries, such as China, then the Lake District as a whole completely benefits. It is great news for the area.”

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