Tourism businesses in North Devon have signed up to a scheme that will both generate revenue for the local economy and fund the maintenance and protection of the environment.
Way Makers has been launched by the South West Coast Path Association – the charity which protects, cares for and shares the path – to champion local businesses and help them get a share of the £520 million which users of the trail bring into the regional economy each year. The charity encourages its 11,000 plus members, 1 million web site visitors and 70,000 social media followers to ‘vote with their feet’ and support its Way Makers.
North Devon businesses signed up as Way Makers to encourage some of the 9 million visitors who use the trail each year to stop off with them along the way include accommodation providers, cafés, museums, visitor experiences, pubs and restaurants.
Sarah Gunn, business development manager for the South West Coast Path Association, says, “The walking market is a huge part of the all-year-round tourism economy so we’re pleased to be working with businesses in this way. In return, they are helping us to secure the £1,400 it takes to look after each mile of the path each year and to protect it as a unique wildlife corridor, a vital resource for peoples’ health and wellbeing, and a major environmental and economic asset for the region. Our work is becoming increasingly challenging due to the impact of extreme weather conditions.”
Some of North Devon’s Way Maker businesses have also been selected to help the charity trial its Camino-style South West Coast Path Passport this summer, which includes over 100 stamping points across the 630-mile route. The passport is designed to help create a lasting memory for walkers and encourage them to stop off in local coastal communities.
One of the first passport stamping points to be announced by the ‘Hotel Inspector’ Alex Polizzi on her recent Channel 5 show was the Pack of Cards Pub in Combe Martin.
Alex explained, “I am so excited about the new Coast Path Passport scheme that the South West Coast Path Association are launching this summer. It’s going to be fantastic for walkers and businesses along the path. I hope you’re all going to enjoy it.”
The charity is still looking to add four more stamping points on the Instow to Westward Ho, Westward Ho to Clovelly, Clovelly to Hartland Quay and Hartland Quay to Bude stretches.
Any hospitality business, visitor centre, museum or retail outlet interested in getting involved in the Passport scheme as a Way Maker should contact Sarah at business@southwestcoastpath.org.uk.
Way Maker Packages start from £25.
• Find out more at southwestcoastpath.org.uk or sign up as a Way Maker online here.
