Managing Health and Safety in the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism Industry

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Snowdonia National Park – Visitor Management

“
Each year, about half a million people visit the central area of the Park....”

Activity 1

Study the information about the Sherpa Bus scheme and other forms of public transport available within the Snowdonia area.

www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/travel-snowdonia

www.snowdoniagreenkey.co.uk/

Explain why providing alternative forms of transport to private cars:

  1. helps protect the environment;
  2. reduces risks for visitors to Snowdonia.

The National Park Authority provides a range of information for visitors to the area which helps reduce risks. This can be done in a number of ways, including:

  1. Information on the Authority’s website, some of which is available for download
  2. Signage in car parks
  3. Tourist Information Centres
  4. Wardens

Website information

Providing advice about safety and reducing risks to visitors do not start when a person enters the National Park or begins a walk. One of the advantages of the internet is that detailed advice and guidance can be provided to potential visitors before they set out on their journey to the area.

Activity 2

www.eryri-npa.gov.uk/visiting/walking/snowdon

Using the link above, investigate the information about the 6 main footpaths to the summit of Mount Snowdon.

  1. Produce a presentation outlining the main features of each of the footpaths, identifying the potential risks.
  2. Suggest other areas of the National Park Authority’s website which might provide important safety information for people wanting to walk in the mountains.

Signage in car parks

The National Park Authority has provided signs which help visitors to orientate themselves when they enter the Park.

Alun Gruffydd, the Head of Education and Communications within the National Park Authority, explains how interpretation panels help visitors to get accustomed to the landscape.

“
...an interpretation panel made out of granite...gives the visitor a panoramic view of the Snowdon summit...”

More detailed information is provided at the start of each of the 6 main footpaths which lead on to Snowdon.

“
...we've developed a new style of text which focuses on mountain safety combined with enjoyment...”

Activity 3

Summarise the main reasons for providing information panels in car parks surrounding Snowdon.