Economy

The South West Coast Path has always been a driving force behind the region’s economy. But now it is a beacon of hope for the future.

The South West Coast Path does so much every year to support the local economy: attracting over 9 million visitors, bringing in £500 million in visitor spend and supporting 11,000 jobs.

But we must hasten to remember, that whilst the Coast Path is the initial draw for many, it is the overall experience that has people coming back again and again. World-class walking, comfortable stays in stunning locations, the chance to enjoy amazing local food & drink and of course, that well-known west country welcome. Together with local businesses, we are helping people create memories that last a lifetime.

Why walking matters to the region’s tourism economy

Photo: Nordic walking tour on the Coast Path in Cornwall

Walking has the power to lengthen the tourism season. It attracts both domestic and international visitors year-round to enjoy our natural environment, heritage, culture and leisure activities - driving sustainable growth of the south west’s tourism economy. The ever-growing popularity of walking and spending time outdoors plays a vital role. Almost a third of British holiday makers now want to take a walking break and more than half of international visitors are interested in short coastal walks. Research by The Ramblers has shown that this type of visitor also brings greater economic benefits to towns, as walkers stay longer and spend more. In fact, 76% of our Coast Path businesses tell us that off-season periods are now their busiest time for walkers, making our role in improving and repairing the Trail ever more important. Building up the Path’s resilience to climate change and ensuring it is usable all year round is crucial in helping the economy survive and thrive.

Why the Coast Path matters to coastal communities

UK visitors are responsible for helping to transfer £25 billion of spend from towns to seaside and rural areas like those along the South West Coast Path. Seasonal employment and lack of investment means that many of the coastal communities along the Trail are some of the most economically challenged in the UK, but the South West Coast Path provides an important link between them helping to bring visitors to towns and villages, which might otherwise be forgotten. Every £1 invested in seaside areas has the potential to boost the local economy by £8, making initiatives along the Trail, which celebrate the rich local history, heritage, cultural and wildlife of the area, an important part of improving the economy for our coastal communities along the Path.