Despite a growing awareness of environmental issues surrounding tourism and travel and the need for a low carbon future, there has been a lack of information, evidence and indicators to inform and drive what the regional priorities and areas for improvement should be.
South West Tourism has recognised this and has been investigating how best to measure progress towards its aim to ‘meet the needs of the visitor, industry and community within environmental and social limits'.
Initial exploratory work using footprinting proved very useful and has led to the development of a bespoke tourism footprinting tool in partnership with the Stockholm Environment Institute. The tool known as ‘REAP Tourism' is being designed to examine the environmental consequences and impact associated with visitor and tourism activities. It will help to inform future scenario planning, policy development, decision-making and prioritising action across the region.
To find out more about the tool, the methodology and its potential application and use, download the About REAP Tourism document (PDF)
or visit the REAP website.
South West Tourism,
Sterling House,
Dix's Field,
Exeter EX1 1QA
Email: post@swtourism.org.uk
