Response to the Government
consultation paper – Tourism – Towards Sustainability, suggested action was
needed on 6 fronts:-
1.
Establish an effective
policy framework, - adoption of sustainable development principles (agenda 21)
in a local Tourism Strategy.
2.
Maximise tourism’s
potential to benefit local community, regeneration where traditional industries
in decline, (eg farming, fishing etc), preservation of historic buildings,
protection of local environment.
Tourism partnerships, use of local goods – beer, farming goods, fish
etc. to encourage business and tourists
to protect the local environment.
3.
Manage visitor flows. –
Effects of large numbers of visitors on an area, positive management can
improve capacity, protect environment and offer rewarding experiences to guests
and local residents, whilst minimising negative impacts.
4.
Address transport
issues associated with tourism.
Transport has a major affect on the environment. White paper sets out Govt policy on this
difficult issue. Transport vital to
develop tourism, however, environmental impact.
5.
Address planning issues
associated with tourism. Marked
increases in visitors will require existing infrastructure, such as hotels,
shops, restaurants and transport links to be replaced and augmented.
6.
Build partnerships
between public, private and voluntary sectors. – Sustainable tourism will be
most easily achieved when consumers demand more sustainable products and
businesses understand the benefits of
providing such products.