Visiting and Enjoying - Visiting

Tourism contributes 28% of the GDP of the Island, and in the high season provides approximately 25% of the total employment opportunities.  The importance of tourism to the economic and social well-being of the local community, needs to be balanced with conservation and enhancement of the AONB.  Many visitors are attracted to the Isle of Wight because of its beaches and scenic beauty - there are opportunities for the AONB to be marketed as a 'sustainable tourism' destination.  It is important that proposals for new activities are based on sound assessment and monitoring of the potential impacts.  Sustainable tourism initiatives aim to encourage this.

The following activities are already helping to achieve this aim:

Green Island Award :  encouraging businesses to adopt a sustainable approach to the management of their business.  www.greenislandtourism.org

SE AONB Sustainable Tourism project : Finest landscapes visitor information pack for accommodation providers within the AONB.

Gift to Nature : a voluntary visitor 'pay-back' scheme for environmental projects. www.gifttonature.org.uk

The Isle of Wight Walking Festival : Held each May, this is the UK's largest walking festival.  In addition for 2008, there is a Celebratory Weekend as part of the tenth anniversary celebrations from 24-27 October. www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk

The Isle of Wight Cycling Festival : this growing festival is held each September  www.sunseaandcycling.com
 

For information on where to stay on the Isle of Wight, including establishments within the AONB visit http://www.islandbreaks.co.uk/