Tourism is a vital part of the local economy, bringing money into the area and employing many local residents. Both the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty want to find ways of increasing the business benefits whilst safeguarding the environment. This is why we have set up the Dales Tourism Business Network.
Any tourism businesses (accommodation, attractions, retailers, food producers etc) who want to work with us to develop tourism in the Yorkshire Dales are welcome to join the Network. There is no charge to get involved and it is not intended to have any kind of formal structure - just a programme of meetings and opportunities to share ideas. You do not need to be inspected, and you can dip in and out as you wish, so there really is no reason not to join.
What the Dales Tourism Business Network will do:
develop ways of working together, but not simply based on a directory of businesses or yet another piece of print - we really want to show how special and distinctive this area is;
increase collaboration between businesses;
encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more, spread their visits through-out the seasons and have a greater awareness of what makes the area special;
develop new ways for visitors to enjoy the Yorkshire Dales – and for businesses to increase their income;
help businesses boost their bottom line by adopting sustainable tourism practices.
The Dales Tourism Business Network is co-ordinated by Susan Briggs, who runs a local tourism business, and supported by the authorities. If you'd like to get involved, please see the Dales Tourism Business Network website or contact Susan Briggs by email susan@tourismnetwork.co.uk
The Yorkshire Dales was awarded the Europarc Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas in 2008 and this work is part of our commitment to the Charter.
