Tourism providers become landscape ambassadors
January 20, 2015
A new initiative aimed at encouraging tourism providers across the South Downs National Park and eight other protected landscapes to become ‘landscape ambassadors’ launches today.
Developed as part of Our Land – a sustainable tourism initiative celebrating the UK’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and National Parks – this new fun training scheme is designed to equip those working in tourism with sound knowledge of their local area.
The online training tool (http://knowour-land.co.uk) takes the form of themed multiple-choice questions that test the knowledge of tourism providers about the AONB, or National Park, in which they are based. It can be used by anyone working in the industry – from hoteliers and attractions, through to cycle hire companies and visitor information staff.
A wide range of topics are covered – including wildlife, historic buildings, landscape features, famous people – and, after successful completion, participants can print out and display their own ‘Landscape Ambassador’ certificate.
Our Land, launched in 2011, provides a national platform for protected landscapes, and has become the leading place online for visitors to find a locally distinctive rural holiday in a collection of 25 National Parks and AONBs in the UK.
In total, more than 1,200 tourism businesses and experiences have signed-up to Our Land since its launch.
Chief Executive of VisitEngland, James Berresford said:
“It is great to see businesses being encouraged to embrace what makes their local area distinctive. Our research shows that consumers want to go to places that provide unique, special and memorable experiences, and increased product knowledge will help businesses showcase what is on offer in the destination.”
Chairman of Our Land, Nick Johannsen, said:
“We are delighted with the way visitors and businesses are engaging with Our Land, we are offering special places to stay and things to do in our most cherished and beautiful landscapes, in a way that will not harm to the landscape. The Landscape Awareness Training programme will help tourism providers tell the story of their landscape, this will make the visit even more special, real and memorable.”
All businesses signed up with Our Land are committed to ensuring visitors have an excellent experience and a positive interaction with all aspects of their local landscape – from the food they eat, to the people they meet; and from the buildings they visit, to the history and heritage they learn about. They are also signed up to support a more sustainable tourism industry through a variety of activities, including supporting local suppliers and producers, encouraging use of public transport, and contributing to wildlife conservation.
The new landscape awareness training initiative is available across the following nine protected landscapes: Chilterns AONB; Cotswolds AONB; High Weald AONB; Isle of Wight AONB; Kent Downs AONB; New Forest National Park; North Wessex Downs AONB; Surrey Hills AONB; South Downs National Park.