1. – and the European Charter
The Broads National Park
– and the European Charter
Bruce Hanson MA
Brussels 2016

3. Nearest neighbours in Netherlands, not the UK
The Broads

4. Broads National Park
Britain’s only wetland National Park and one of the most important wetlands in Europe
Britain’s Nature Capital – more rare and endangered species than anywhere else in the UK
Seriously at risk from Climate Change!
Sustainability is critical to the survival of the Broads
Large areas below sea level – so the first UK National Park to disappear under the waves, perhaps…?

5. Tourism – drives the economy of the Broads
Visitor numbers (2015) Million
Economic impact £584 Million
Jobs dependent ,245

6. Mainstream tourism in the Broads
850 holiday cruisers for hire
250 day boats for hire
8000 private motor boats
6 big passenger trip boats
Boat building businesses
And lots of land-based activities
So big challenges for the environment

7. – in a fragile eco-system
Managing Tourism
– in a fragile eco-system
Needs Sensitive
Planning & Management
Sustainable Tourism
Strategy & Action Plan

8. ‘Loving Them To Death’ (1993) ‘
Sustainable Tourism
– a long history in
the Broads
‘Loving Them To Death’ (1993) ‘

9. Sustainable Tourism in the Broads

10. Strategy developed in close partnership with stakeholders
– following Charter principles

11. Broads National Park Charter Park since 2006
Charter process key to changing what had been a
difficult relationship with the tourism business community
Extensive consultations with wide range of stakeholders
External consultant somehow changed perceptions of BA
Forum established with Charter written in constitution
Third time around – verification process getting harder!

12. Broads Tourism’s Constitution
Broads Tourism will work in partnership with the Broads Authority to:
Promote the Broads National Park as a recreational, leisure and holiday destination in accord with the second duty of the BA which is to “promote people’s understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area”.
(b) Develop, deliver and regularly review actions within the
Strategy and Action Plan for Sustainable Tourism
consistent with the adoption of the European Charter
for Sustainable Tourism, and provide guidance and
assistance with applications for relevant grant funding.

14. Conservation works funded by visitors
Visitor Payback
The tourism industry depends upon the natural environment of the Broads, yet it inevitably adds to the pressures on this already fragile eco-system
Love the Broads
Conservation works funded by visitors

15. Green Tourism Business Scheme
“Tourism businesses working towards exceeding customer expectations in a responsible manner”

16. Green Boat Mark
The first green accreditation scheme for hire boats developed in the Broads as a result of the Charter – and now in the Netherlands too

17. The European dimension - learning from each other
– taking Broads business people on exchange visits

18. The value of the Charter to us in the Broads….
The Charter gives us a brilliant framework for our work with the tourism business community and the award is a tribute to this partnership – a clear demonstration that nature is the winner when we all work together.

19. The Broads Tourism is a Force for Good The Message is Constant
Britain’s Magical Waterland