This presentation will introduce the facts and figures around visitors to the South Downs National Park and the key impacts that this important industry has on the National Park. Data is taken from the Visitor Survey conducted on behalf of the SDNPA by Tourism South East. The Visitor Survey included a survey of visitors, residents, businesses and the environment. A full copy of the Visitor Survey is available on the Learning Zone. Teachers notes

Tourism in the South Downs National Park

Headline facts 46.3 million estimated million estimated visitor days £464.4 million generated 8,200 FTE jobs

Where do our visitors come from? 95% are domestic visitors 66% come from the three counties that make up the SDNP 81% of all visits are by day visitors

Visitor profiles A typical resident who visits the South Downs for informal leisure visits will be white British, over 45 years, will not have a health related issue and will be from an ABC1 household

Group composition

How do people get here?

Why do people visit? Top three main reasons: 1.Going for a walk (29%) 2.Visiting an attraction (19%) 3.Enjoying the view (9%)

Why do people visit? Top three secondary reasons: 1.Getting fresh air (56%) 2.Visiting a tea-room or restaurant (44%) 3.Relaxing or finding peace and tranquility (35%)

Reasons for not visiting 1.Not having a car (27%) 2.Health issues (24%) 3.Not having enough time (19%) Top three reasons:

Average spend of visitors £10.94 Holiday-makers £14.93 per day Local visitors £5.50 per day

Impacts of Tourism Jobs for local people Income for the local economy Helps preserve rural services like buses, village shops and post offices Increased demand for local food and crafts Tourists mainly come to see the scenery and wildlife, so there is pressure to conserve habitats and wildlife Stock disturbance Gates left open Ignoring Rights of Way (ROW) Cyclists riding too fast Horse riders not keeping to ROW Litter Dog fouling Trampling and soil erosion Loss of wildlife habitats

learning.southdowns.gov.uk Any questions?