Coast Along – the golden thread that links tourism gems

The South West Coast Path is fast becoming known as a vital link between South West tourism businesses.

Every year, it attracts nearly 9 million outside visitors who come to walk this world class route, each of whom contributes to a total spend of £436m.

This is a staggering statistic that doesn’t include the everyday walkers such as dog owners and local residents, who frequent the various places to eat, sleep and drink on a more regular basis.

Alistair Handyside, Chairman of the South West Tourism Alliance says the Coast Path is “regularly described as the region’s best asset, that’s not only great for visitors, but is equally important to all that live near it”, adding that it’s “critical and integral to the visitor economies of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset”.

Businesses can show their support for the Path and the income it generates for the local economy, by becoming a Business Member.

Available to businesses large and small, there are a number of benefits, from online listings alongside relevant walks, to being part of the marketing and promotion of the National Trail, which receives around 1 million annual visits to its website.

Full details of the benefits for Business Members are listed online at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk