Broads Authority is rewarded for work in sustainable tourism for a second time
An accolade that recognises the Broads Authority as a leader in sustainable tourism for a second time was awarded at the largest Europarc Conference for years in Southern Germany last week.
The new president of the Europarc Federation,Thomas Hansson, presented the award to Bruce Hanson of the Broads Authority in front of an audience of 320 people from more than 20 countries.
Thirteen parks gained the Charter for the first time, and five, including the Broads Authority, were re-awarded it.
A total of 89 out of 440 protected areas hold the charter in 35 European countries.
Bruce Hanson, who manages sustainable tourism for the Broads Authority, said: “The award of the European Charter is a very high accolade for the Broads. It reflects the great spirit and genuine partnership working that has been built over a number of years between the Broads Authority, the business community and many other stakeholders in the Broads. A healthy environment and business prosperity are inextricably linked, and we all share the same ambition in caring for the Broads. It is a tribute to the hard work, committment and enthusiasm of a lot of people.”
The Broads Authority was the first member of the family of English national parks to receive the Charter five years ago and a great deal of work has gone into assuring its renewal, culminating in a two day visit by a Europarc assessor in April.
She said that major progress over the last five years had been made in developing a strong partnership with Broads Tourism – the local organisation for tourism businesses. She was also impressed with the work achieved to build the new Broads brand, Britain’s Magical Waterland, the new tourism website, www.enjoythebroads.com. as well as facilities for disabled people.
The tourism strategy which formed the basis of the application was funded by STEP (Sustainable Tourism in Estuary Parks) European Interreg funding.
28/09/11
