Sustainable Tourism
What is sustainable tourism?
Sustainable tourism development, according to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, is defined as: “tourism which meets the need of present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future”.
In rural areas the visitor experience is inextricably linked with people and places hence the importance of the full engagement of community groups in the tourism planning process in the Brecon Beacons.
According to recent STEAM figures, tourism is worth over £126 million to the local economy each year, or £4,000 for everyone who lives in the Park. The benefits from tourism include:
- helping to maintain and create jobs;
- sustain local services and facilities;
- stimulate enterprise and support investment in environmental management.
Without the support of the local community the potential benefits from tourism will not be fully realised.
