New focus for tourism in South Downs National Park
November 4, 2024
Tourism that gives back to our natural environment and makes it better for future generations is one of the new focuses for the National Park.
Alongside the other 14 National Parks, the South Downs is supporting a shared vision towards “regenerative tourism”.
While sustainable tourism aims to do “less harm”, regenerative tourism goes a step further by leaving a destination better than it was found, including promoting biodiversity, initiating climate action and enhancing the landscape.
Chris Hannon, who is leading work for regenerative tourism for the Authority, explained: “The National Park receives around 18m visitors each year, and as the most economically active National Park in the UK, there’s a unique opportunity here.
“If our National Park becomes a leading area for regenerative tourism, it will create a virtuous loop that benefits our landscape, wildlife, communities and ultimately tourists, who will want to come back again and again to experience this special place. We’re privileged to already have so many businesses leading the charge on sustainability and, as a National Park Authority, we can play an important role in supporting, connecting and championing them, and inspiring others to be part of the regenerative tourism movement.”
Examples include Oakwood West Holiday Cottages, at West Ashling, which uses 100% renewable energy from their supplier, create and maintain hedgerows, bird boxes, wildflower meadows and plant a tree for every stay in their lodges, built from timber sourced on their own land.
Visitor Giving is another area that the National Park is looking to grow. Woodfire Camping, at Graffham and Firle, support the South Downs Trust, collecting £2 per visitor at booking to support vital work such as tree planting, pond restoration and planting wildflower meadows for pollinators. Planning is also likely to play a key role in terms of how new and evolving tourism businesses build regenerative tourism into their offer.
Anyone interested in learning more can contact Chris Hannon Chris.Hannon@southdowns.gov.uk