Impact of Tourism
Tourism to North Wales has been important for a long time. The coastal resorts began to develop in the nineteenth century and the mountain areas have received increasing amounts of visitors over the years.
For the last 30 years or so patterns of tourism to North Wales, as to other parts of the country, have changed as more and more UK tourists take the traditional summer holiday abroad. Although this change has led to some negative impacts, more and more UK tourists are taking short breaks and second holidays in North Wales. This also means that tourists are visiting the area throughout the year, rather than just in the peak summer months.
A growth area for tourism to North Wales is in adventure activities and special interest holidays. This has led to the new businesses offering a wide range of activities and accommodation. These are not only related to sports and outdoor activities but include education, crafts, health and well-being.
The tourism industry plays a key role in shaping the unique environment and landscape as well as the local economy and communities of Snowdonia. With a population of 26,000 in the National Park, the tourism industry provides the equivalent of 9,000 full-time jobs, worth an estimated £385m to the local economy.
Tourism has an impact on mountain areas, especially those that have a fragile or sensitive landscape. This is particularly the case in Snowdonia National Park. In the past the environment of Snowdonia was affected by traffic congestion and erosion of footpaths.
Today more tourists and tourism businesses are aware of their impacts and by committing to a responsible approach, tourism businesses, their guests and all visitors to the area can reduce the impact of tourism and may even help to contribute to the conservation of Snowdonia.
Activity
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