Businesses unite to promote nature tourism

Delegates from across the UK and several European countries joined members of East Yorkshire’s business community for the event earlier this month at Bridlington Spa, which was organised by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. The aim of the event was to provide a platform for accommodation providers and those who work in the tourism and nature conservation sectors to share their experiences on how to make the most of natural assets, such as wildlife, coast and countryside, to help enhance business and develop tourism.

The trust’s nature tourism manager, Martin Batt, said: “Never before have we had the chance to get together with so many local businesses and both UK and international delegates. The opportunities the conference afforded those who were trying to grow their businesses using nature tourism were invaluable.”

The co-ordinator for the Leader Coast, Wolds, Wetlands and Waterways Local Action Group, Dee Mitchell, said she had spoken to a number of people who were planning to launch businesses in the sector “because of the nature tourism investments in our area and the opportunities for employment that result”.

East Riding Council’s portfolio holder for economic development, tourism and rural issues, Councillor Jane Evison, who is also a member of the Nature Tourism Triangle’s steering group, added: “The East Riding has some great assets, such as our wonderful heritage coast, to further develop nature tourism which is a growing part of the tourism market.

“The conference was an excellent opportunity to give fresh ideas, impetus and enthusiasm for how we can make the most of local wildlife, coast and countryside to help grow the local rural economy.”