Well over £15,000 has been raised by tourism businesses over the past year to help protect the National Park for future generations.
The Visitor Giving initiative continues to go from strength to strength, giving customers the opportunity to donate to the South Downs Trust, the official charity of the National Park.
Visitor Giving invites customers to contribute to nature recovery in the National Park, for example, by adding a pound on to a meal, hotel bill or product – and these small contributions, when added together, can make a big difference.
This year some of the main contributors have been The PIG in the South Downs in Madehurst, Woodfire Camping in Graffham and Firle, and the Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne.
Among the projects benefitting are Bee Lines, creating vital new wildflower patches to help dwindling bee populations bounce back. The Trust is also investing in schemes that help children from urban areas have access to green spaces and improving footpaths in the South Downs to help people with disabilities.
Chris Hannon, Sustainable Business Strategy Lead, said: “World Tourism Day took place recently and it’s a good time to recognise the really important contribution hospitality businesses and visitors make to the South Downs National Park.
“Over the past five years, we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of Visitor Giving partners and we’re keen to welcome more tourism businesses to the family. Our ambition is to raise £2 from each visitor to the South Downs National Park. This will go towards vital projects to help biodiversity, access, landscape management and heritage.”
On average, the South Downs National Park receives over 18m visitors a year. The current partners are: Best of Britain Travel Guides, BKC Restaurants in London, Foot of the Downs – Glamping in West Sussex, Freshly Fermented– Gut health experts, Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, THE PIG-in the South, Upwaltham Barns and Woodfire Camping.
If you’re interested in becoming a partner please email Chris at visitorgiving@southdownstrust.org.uk