A POPULAR residents’ loyalty card scheme which encourages people to make the most of all Cumbria has to offer has introduced digital cards alongside the traditional cards.

Developed by Cumbria Tourism, MyCumbria cards offer hundreds of money-saving offers and help local good causes and businesses at the same time.

The scheme is available exclusively for people who live or work in the county and offers a range of discounts in shops, pubs and cafes, through to two-for-one on cinema tickets and county-wide visitor attractions.

There are also special discounts on travel and transport, adventure activities, historical places of interest, spa/wellness experiences and even special offers for dog-owners.

As well as using less plastic, the new digital MyCumbria cards can be stored on people’s mobile phones and give cardholders instant access to news and new offers on their personal android and Apple handsets.

At the same time, cardholders have the choice to keep using their physical cards. 

MyCumbria recently overhauled its website to add slicker, more user-friendly functionality to help cardholders access the latest information.

Ben Melling, who oversees the MyCumbria scheme for Cumbria Tourism, said: “We’ve introduced the new digital cards to give people an alternative way of accessing the money-stretching discounts on offer.

"Cardholders still have the choice to keep using their physical cards if they prefer, but we know many people will find the digital option more convenient.

"Either way, cardholders will be supporting local businesses, with 10 per cent of all the money they spend on purchasing each MyCumbria card going directly to Cumbria Tourism’s 50th Anniversary Charitable Fund.”

Administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, the fund is encouraging and supporting young people to stay in the county by helping with specialist equipment, training, travel costs and more with the tourism and hospitality industry.

For local tourism, retail and hospitality businesses, the underlying aim of the MyCumbria scheme is to broaden the range of potential customers and generate greater footfall throughout the year.

Ben added: “For businesses, providing a special offer for local people is a great way to encourage repeat custom from a loyal customer base.

"It gives operators access to MyCumbria’s marketing channels and it’s completely free for them to get involved. We’re increasingly finding that non-tourism businesses are bulk-buying MyCumbria cards as a thank you for their staff.

“As part of Cumbria Tourism’s anniversary celebrations, MyCumbria is also running a 50 Days of Summer campaign whereby Cumbrian businesses can receive free promotion of a one-day special offer.”

Businesses can get involved by contacting: info@mycumbriacard.co.uk. For more information about the MyCumbria loyalty card scheme, visit: mycumbriacard.co.uk