Residents in Tourist Areas Report Stronger Community Bonds, Claims VisitEngland
A recent study reveals that people living in tourist destinations in the UK feel significantly more connected to their communities than those in non-tourist areas.
New research led by VisitEngland illustrates the positive cultural and social benefits tourism brings to local communities throughout the UK.
The report titled ‘The Social Value of Tourism’ indicates higher levels of community pride, personal wellbeing, and social cohesion among those residing in popular tourist areas.
Notably, individuals living in these regions report feeling 23% more connected to their communities, with 58% of participants in tourist areas expressing a sense of community compared to just 35% from other regions. Additionally, pride in one’s local area was found to be 12% higher among residents who live and work in tourism hotspots, referred to as ‘host communities’ in the report.
The study also revealed that approximately 80% of those surveyed felt an uplift in their mood following travel within the UK, while over 70% stated they felt healthier post-journey.
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitEngland, explained, “We understand tourism fuels economic growth for various communities. With this ‘Social Value of Tourism’ report, we can now highlight how tourism enhances wellbeing and fosters social bonding for both visitors and residents. It also boosts job prospects and the quality of local infrastructure.”
In terms of employment opportunities, tourism creates jobs across diverse educational backgrounds and provides strong apprenticeship chances for young individuals, particularly in rural and coastal areas. Notably, 85% of tourism/apprenticeship roles are occupied by those aged 24 and under, compared to 52% in other industries.
Furthermore, tourism enhances access to cultural sites, green areas, and local businesses, with over half of residents in host communities residing within a five-mile radius of these amenities, improving public transport options for both locals and tourists alike.
The report, compiled by Public First for VisitEngland, integrates 14 case studies highlighting the social, cultural, and community impacts driven by tourism in various localities, including the economic benefits in regions such as the North East and the cultural significance of events like Eurovision 2023.
Tourism stands as one of England’s most lucrative industries, contributing roughly £76 billion to the economy through domestic visitor spending.
