Breadcrumbs
Coast Path is a £300M Money Spinner for the South West - 25/9/03
The study was commissioned by the Countryside Agency and South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) to mark the Silver Jubilee of the path, Britain’s longest National Trail.
The research was carried out by South West Tourism and Tourism Associates of the University of Exeter and examines the spending by holiday-makers and day-visitors while using the path which follows the coast from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour, Dorset, passing through Cornwall and Devon.
By questioning accommodation providers, including hotels, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation, within a mile of the SWCP, the researchers found that:
- more than a quarter (27.6%) of visitors are drawn to the area purely because of the SWCP.
- these visitors alone spend around £136 million a year.
The study also looked at the income generated when local people and their visiting friends and relatives use the route. This revealed that:
- residents of the four counties crossed by the route take some 23 million walks along the SWCP each year, spending £116 million.
- local people often take their visiting friends and relatives for Coast Path walks, bringing in a further £48 million.
Commenting on the findings, the Countryside Agency’s chairman, Sir Ewen Cameron said: “This research confirms what we have always believed about the crucial importance of the South West Coast Path to the region’s economy. It also demonstrates just how much a National Trail can contribute to the regeneration of an area, while providing an excellent resource for boosting health and fitness and people’s sheer enjoyment of the countryside. It’s official - National Trails provide an excellent return on investment and are a real magnet for attracting visitors to an area.”
more follows……
COAST PATH GENERATES £300m – 2
Jeremy Pope, deputy chairman of the South West of England Regional Development Agency, also gave the report an enthusiastic welcome. He said: “This research identifies the huge economic benefits the South West Coast Path already brings to the region. We will build on the successful partnership with the South West Coast Path, South West Tourism and other stakeholders in the region, to develop the economic opportunities offered by the coast path whilst also continuing to protect its unique environmental character.”
Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive, South West Tourism said: “These new figures prove that the SWCP is one attraction that the south west region could not afford to lose. These visitor figures are based on those staying within a mile of the coast, purely because of the Coast Path. Undoubtedly many more will use it as part of their overall holiday experience. It’s really a vital part of what we have on offer and is at the centre of our marketing activities for the South West.”
The results are now being shared with the many organisations involved with upkeep, management and promotion of the SWCP, including local authorities and the National Trust.
Ros Love, SWCP Team Co-ordinator, said: “Everyone is delighted to have such well-documented proof of the Coast Path’s importance and it’s especially fitting in its Silver Jubilee year. The findings show that protecting beautiful landscapes needs to be integral to economic thinking, and resolves our intention to ensure [1]that the path remains as economically important for the next 25 years.”
Media enquiries:
For further information, interviews, or help with sourcing photographs, please contact Rebecca Milton or Nigel Ellway in the Countryside Agency press office, 0207 340 2032.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The South West Coast Path (SWCP) is the longest in a family of National Trails created and mainly funded by the Countryside Agency, to provide walkers with high standard long distance routes through some of England’s finest countryside. The SWCP runs for 630 miles (1014 km) from Minehead in Somerset to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset. passing through many nationally protected landscapes: Exmoor National Park and the Cornwall, Dorset, East Devon, South Devon and North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was created in sections, with its final element, the Somerset and North Devon section, opening in 1978. A programme of events is running throughout 2003 to mark the SWCP’s Silver Jubilee.
Website: www.nationaltrail.co.uk
2. Day to day maintenance of the SWCP is undertaken by 85 on-the-ground managers, supported by a partnership of local authorities and other organisations, such as the National Trust. Management and marketing is co-ordinated by the South West Coast Path Team.
3. The Countryside Agency is the statutory body working to make the quality of life better for people in the countryside and the quality of the countryside better for everyone.
Website www.countryside.gov.uk
4. The South West of England Regional Development Agency was established in 1999, to ensure the long-term economic success of the region, by promoting the right skills among its workforce, the most innovative businesses, and a high quality environment.
Website: www.southwestrda.org.uk
