Sustainability South West Steps In

With changes ahead for tourism in the region, and the impending closure of South West Tourism, independent charity Sustainability South West has stepped in to ensure that practical support for the tourism sector can continue into the future.

Neil Warren, South West Tourism's Sustainability Strategist, has moved into an new role with Sustainability South West to deliver this sustainable tourism work beyond the closure of South West Tourism at the end of March. This means that he will be able to continue to focus on supporting the tourism sector to find practical opportunities to becoming more sustainable - particularly in relation to how businesses operate, getting visitors involved, transport issues and protection of the natural and historic assets that attract visitors.

Mr Warren emphasises the importance of sustainable management for the sector, "Far from being a bolt-on option only for those interested in saving the planet, sustainability is central to the sector's future success, whether it's looking after the great places and culture that attract visitors, keeping escalating costs under control through improved efficiency, maximising the potential of local produce or improving the travel experience to enhance a visitor's stay." 

Sustainability South West's Director Leslie Watson welcomes the new remit, "We believe that supporting sustainable tourism in the South West is a key ingredient to securing a more sustainable future for everyone who lives, works or visits in our very special region."

The transfer of this remit is part of the ongoing activity to aid transition of tourism support in advance of South West Tourism closing on 31 March 2011. 

Chair of South West Tourism, Alistair Handyside added ‘It is a really positive step to be able to move this remit to Sustainability South West, so that the years' of development put in  place by South West Tourism is not lost to the region.  This transfer is all part of our transition planning, and this, along with the emerging tourism consortium, shows a real commitment by the industry to retain a high profile focus on critical areas of development.  I wish Sustainability South West all success in the continued delivery of this remit'.

Date added: Monday 14th February 2011
Latest updated: Thursday 8th March 2012