We were excited the South West Coast Path were able to join us for the inaugral Tourism Summit last November. As this leading charity celebrates 50 years, we are delighted to be sharing more about the benefits and importance of their role in our region.
The South West Coast Path Association helped to create the amazing 630 mile National Trail which now attracts 9 million visitors and is often described as one of the ‘world’s greatest walks.’
The Path is one of the region’s most valuable tourism and environmental assets, generating £520 million a year for the local economy, whilst also providing a unique wildlife corridor.
The physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits of taking a walk along the magical strip between the ‘blue and the green’ have been proven too. Recent research shows the Path saves the NHS £73 million a year. The charity recently set up its ‘Coastpath Connectors’ to introduce people from all walks of life to the Trail’s life-enhancing benefits.
The charity’s role in protecting, caring for and sharing the Path is now even more vital than ever. Extreme weather conditions threaten wildlife habitats and the all year round access to the Path crucial to the staycation market and locals.
It costs £1,500 to maintain, improve and protect each mile every year, leaving us all to ask what is the Coast Path worth to us? And what can we do to take collective responsibility for such a valuable and unique asset which benefits our livelihoods and the lives of so many?
The charity’s Way Maker programme makes it easy to give back to the Path from £25/per annum, that's less than what most spend on coffee a month!
With all eyes on the Coast Path as the SWCPA celebrates with its 50th Anniversary Trailblazer Walk, an iconic Photographic Exhibition in the Royal William Yard and a new Coast Path Passport. Now is a good time to take the first step towards making sure the Path is here for the future for all of us.
For more information about different ways to support the South West Coast Path during its 50th anniversary year, get in touch with Sarah.
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Tourism for Good 2023
As we continue to journey to a brighter tomorrow, we're excited to share with you that planning is already underway for The Tourism Summit 2023, where we will be learning together practical ways we can be sustainable, inclusive, authentic and profitable.
You will receive updates in the run-up to the event and we would appreciate that you share this too, thank you.
Would you like to join us?
Click here to join the Tourism for Good Collective