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Countryside Access Routes - Economic and Social Benefits
Tourism
Walking and the PROW network support a substantial proportion of tourism spend in the region, PROW often act as the main reason for visits to the region. Expenditure from day trippers and visitors generated around £240m per annum in 2003, supporting 7000-9600 jobs, while more substantial walking and cycling trips, such as Hadrian's Wall National Trail, can generate up to £10m of additional spend along their length. Despite this, core expenditure on NE PROW has been falling over the last two years and totals just £1 per person pa.
Health
The cost to England's economy of poor health due to lack of exercise is estimated at £40-£150 per head per annum. The North East has the poorest health record for diseases associated with a lack of exercise of any region in England. This report estimates this poor health costs between £110-£410m pa, yet a 10% increase in physical activity among adults would deliver savings of at least £25m pa in economic benefits.
Research shows that many areas of poor health have relatively poor provision of PROW. In order to tackle negative perceptions and behaviour, it is essential that people have information about their local routes, with the routes themselves kept free from obstruction, well maintained and well signposted. The active promotion of walking exercise, via a joint partnership approach, is also necessary to encourage healthy walking activity.
