This page was last updated on
13/09/06© Snowdonia Society 2007
Registered Charity 253231
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This page was last updated on 13/09/06© Snowdonia Society 2007 Registered Charity 253231 |
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Yn Ty Hyll garden
© John RobertsSustainable Tourism in Snowdonia
Dan James
Tourism is one of the world's largest industries. It accounts for 7.5% of the Welsh economy, providing over 10% of jobs. These figures are even greater in the Snowdonia National Park. With a population of just 26,000 tourism jobs equate to nearly 9,000 full time equivalent posts. The area receives approximately 12 million day visitors a year. All this is worth an estimated £385 million to the local economy! It is clear that tourism has a major contribution in sustaining the local economy and communities of Snowdonia. Indeed, whilst the first statutory purpose of the National Park is to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area, the second purpose is to promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area.
However tourism has an environmental impact - over 10% of Gwynedd's Ecological Footprint is derived from tourism. Without careful thought and consideration the two Park purposes can conflict with one another - an increase in tourism can have the negative effect of hindering the conservation of the Park. This is why we all need to strive to make our use of the Park more sustainable; If not the very qualities that make Snowdonia special today will be gradually lost.
Sustainable tourism can be defined as "ensuring tourism operations meet the needs of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunity for the future" (World Tourism Organisation). Sustainable tourism is about ensuring tourism service providers are acting sustainably - conserving energy, using local products, recycling etc, and thus actively contributing to the well being of the environment and the local community. At the same time, it involves visitors considering how they can minimise their impact on the environment and local communities such as how they travel, not only within the National Park, but also to the and from it.
The Snowdonia Society is keen to play an active role in encouraging all those involved with tourism in the National Park to embrace the notions of sustainability. Funding is currently being sought for a 'Sustainable Energy and Tourism (SEAT)' project which will include the development of a new website promoting sustainable choices for visitors and service providers, running a competition to reward best practice in sustainable tourism, raising awareness of the need for more sustainable tourism and of the support available for those wishing to become more sustainable.
Of course sustainable tourism is unlikely ever to be fully accomplished; any tourism is likely to have some negative impact on the environment - locally and further afield. But we need to balance this against the enormous benefits of tourism - not only for the host region, but also for each person who finds refreshment and pleasure in getting away from the pressures of everyday life. One thing is for certain - we can all play a part in making tourism more sustainable.
