carbonneutraltourism.co.uk

The AONB Unit in the Kent Downs has been developing sustainable tourism since 2004, when EU funding was first secured to work with communities and tourism businesses in the Mid Kent Downs. This was a pilot project – one of a few working across the region supported by Tourism South East (TSE).

It all came about because of Foot & Mouth, which many will remember had such a devastating affect on our rural areas. With the countryside, in effect, closed down, it immediately became apparent how important tourism is to the UK’s rural economy.

The principles of sustainable tourism sit perfectly with the primary purpose of the AONB designation – which is to ‘conserve and enhance the natural beauty’ of these nationally important landscapes.

To us, developing sustainable tourism is about benefiting the very resources upon which it depends – the natural landscape and local communities – whilst providing a fulfilling experience for the visitor. We also have a strong focus on providing support to tourism businesses in developing sustainable business practice.

Over the past few years we introduced the Green Tourism Business Scheme in Kent and now have over 25 members which include a range of accommodation, pubs, visitor attractions and the holiday operator Walk Awhile, who is also a member of responsibletravel.com. See the full list at www.kentdowns.org.uk. We have worked with many local communities to help encourage ‘community led tourism’, provided ongoing business support and advice, conducted visitor research and a range of awareness raising activities.
We’re currently partnering the Parc Naturel Regional Caps et Marais in the Nord Pas de Calais to further develop sustainable tourism in each respective area. Through this work we will see the launch of the Kent Sustainable Tourism Network, further development of the GTBS, new training opportunities for tourism businesses, a range of new publications and promotional activities. Go to www.kentdowns.org.uk for more information on our work and the tourism businesses that we work with.

Sarah Loftus
Sustainable Tourism Officer
Kent Downs AONB Unit

tagged Interesting companies & organisations, Kent Downs AONB and UK

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