Sustainability
Like many national parks, the Snowdonia National Park is at the forefront of developing sustainable tourism practices. In fact the three national parks in Wales are working to agree common practices for sustainable tourism.
The three national parks; Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and The Pembrokeshire Coast, have put together a document called a ‘position statement’ outlining their approach to sustainable tourism.
"We support the promotion of sustainable tourism principles within Wales’ National Parks"
Although national parks in Wales do not promote tourism as such, and recognise that there are situations in which tourism can damage the environment, the value of genuinely sustainable tourism is seen as the future of tourism.
There are four principal factors driving the development of sustainable tourism in National Parks. These are:
- Reducing the loss of quiet, tranquil areas
- Solving transport problems by reducing the carbon emissions of vehicles, parking issues and reducing the disturbance and damage caused by vehicles.
- Reducing the negative impacts of large-scale developments, including disturbance to local communities.
- Resolving conflicts between the purposes of National Parks and tourism related activities.
It is estimated that visitors spend about £1 billion in Wales’ National Parks each year and support about 27,000 jobs. By supporting sustainable tourism the National Parks can ensure that tourism income continues to grow but also supports a range of social benefits as well
These include:
- Increased environmental education so that tourists respect the environment they are visiting.
- The promotion of local products and services, encouraging the flow of money into rural economies.
- Keeping rural services, such as Post Offices, shops, public transport, and schools operational.
- Supporting cultural and community activities including arts and heritage events.
- Raising the quality of local services to meet environmental standards.
Activity
Using information from the Green Snowdonia and Snowdonia National Park websites, produce a leaflet of "dos" and "don'ts" for tourists to encourage them to help sustainable tourism.
For example: Do use the Sherpa buses rather than your car, because it helps reduce pollution.