THE Quantock Hills AONB group is feeling very honoured to have been recognised at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards last week alongside the region’s twenty Protected Landscapes for their collective 'Outstanding Contribution' to tourism. 

More than 450 people from the tourism sector in the South West attended the gala evening, held at the Riviera International Centre in Torquay. Victoria Graham of BBC Spotlight hosted the event.

The South West’s Protected Landscapes consists of 13 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), two National Parks, The South West Coast Paths, the Jurassic Coast a World Heritage Site, the Cornwall & West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site and the UNESCO Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve. None of these charge an entry fee, yet they remain one of the primary reasons why visitors choose the region as a destination, contributing significantly to the visitor economy. 

The award recognises the ever-present volunteers and key staff that manage the assets of some of the region’s most beautiful countryside under the constant pressures of having to retain funding in order to give visitors the best possible experience.

Julian Gray, director of the South West Coast Path Association, said: “The South West has some of the most determined and passionate people working in the industry. It was a real jewel in the crown for the South West Coast Path, national parks and AONBs to be recognised for their contribution to tourism, which is so vital to our region. 

“More than anything, this award marks a change in attitude. It shows that, as a collective, we are recognising the value of our Protected Landscapes and more importantly the need to support them."

The South West Coast Path alone supports over 11,000 jobs and attracts more than eight million people to the region who spend more than £500 million each year. 

"It is essential to ensure the Path and all our Protected Landscapes are adequately funded so that we can maintain, protect and improve them now and in the future,” Mr Gray added.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that parts of the country’s natural capital, including Protected Landscapes such as those in the South West, contributed £16bn to the economy in 2015, with an estimated contribution of £761bn forecast over the next 100 years.