£18 million boost to tourism in the South West

Tourism in the South West of England is set to receive an £18 million boost after a joint public and private sector initiative to make the most of the region’s landscape and features.

The Sustainable Rural Tourism programme aims to attract more than 300,000 extra overnight visitors into the region each year. Its six projects will focus on the opportunities for tourists - to the benefit of south west businesses and residents - to make the most of the South West Coast Path, Cornish Mining World Heritage site, inland water bodies, cycle & multi-use trails and the natural habitat.

More than £14 million of the investment is being provided by a grant from the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), with the remainder contributed by the private sector and the organisations leading delivery of the projects. Around half of the funding will be spent in Cornwall, although the split within individual projects varies. The six projects are:

· 1 South West – A partnership led by the Forestry Commission will create easy access trail hubs to develop South West England as a world-class region for adventurous off-road cycling. With some trails suitable for absolute beginners, the hubs will enable enjoyable cycling activity throughout the year. This work will be enhanced through improved information for off-road cycling across the region, providing a platform for further development.

•Enjoy Water – A partnership led by the South West Lakes Trust, and involving the Cotswold Water Park Trust and the Environment Agency, it aims to develop water-side recreation - ranging from wildlife watching to regional racing and canoe safaris - at six interlinked hubs situated at reservoirs and lakes across the region.

•Unlocking our Coastal Heritage – A partnership led by the South West Coast Path Team to conserve, enhance and interpret 30 sites along the South West Coast Path National Trail. It aims to improve the quality of the visitor experience and increase the economic benefits to the associated tourism industry.

•Discover the Extraordinary Project – The Cornish Mining World Heritage Site has ambitious plans for developing the quality and appeal of the World Heritage mining landscape and attractions in Cornwall and West Devon.

•Rural Sports Tourism – A partnership between the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and Westcountry Rivers Trust will be looking to develop the full potential of the region's country sports market and its related supporting industries.

•TRAC (Tourism and Rural Access in Cornwall) – Cornwall Council is working with businesses to develop links between the Camel and Tarka multi-use trails, particularly on the Devon and Cornwall border, to help diversify tourism facilities and interest to areas in the less traditional tourist ‘hotspots’.

As well as the lead partners, South West Tourism, Sustrans, the National Trust and other local partners are involved with the projects.