About the Business Network

The objective of the Network is for tourism businesses to work with the AONB to improve the sustainable development and management of tourism in protected areas which takes account of the needs of the environment, local residents, local businesses and visitors. This will include actions on:

Conservation and Environmental management

• Working with the AONB to manage facilities, grounds and buildings to encourage wildlife and a sustainable local environment.
• Using products and services which have minimal environmental impact such as conserving energy and water, developing renewable energy sources and recycling waste.
• Providing opportunities for visitors to participate, for example, in waste management by reduce/reuse/recycle practices and volunteering time or financial resources to support local conservation projects (such as the Bowland Tourism and Environment Fund).
• Encouraging visitors to minimise their use of private cars and use group or public transport where possible.

Local Economy

• Build links with other local businesses to foster inter-trading and referral of visitors to neighbouring tourism operators.
• Favouring and promoting local products and explaining to customers their connections with the area.
• Highlighting local events and services to the visitor.

Marketing and Information

• Implementing and participating in AONB initiatives, such as Sense of Place
• Promote visits in off-season and shoulder periods.
• Provide a comprehensive range of local visitor information including AONB materials highlighting the objectives of the protected area.
• Encourage visitors to visit less popular sites to improve dispersal.
• Promote walking, cycling, horse-riding opportunities for visitors to explore the area.
• Develop and promote disability access facilities and attractions.

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