THE Two Bridges Hotel, near Princetown, was the venue for the third Dartmoor Partnership Tourism Conference last week.
Fifty delegates attended the conference which was organised by the Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Dartmoor Partnership.
The theme for this year?s meeting, chaired by Graham Wall, the authority?s director of planning and community, was putting words into action.
Dartmoor tourism businesses and organisations were invited to
provide input for a five-year joint strategy for the development of sustainable tourism across the National Park.
Delegates were given an overview of achievements since the previous conference in 2001, and discussions took place on issues such as social inclusion and extending the tourism season.
It is hoped the new strategy will act as a working document for the Dartmoor partnership, and will encourage all those with an interest in tourism on Dartmoor to work towards achieving the same
visions and objectives.
The afternoon session included an introduction to the Dartmoor Sustainable Tourism Charter which will allow businesses to sign up their commitment to environmentally sustainable commercial practices.
Graham Wall said: ?Millions of visitors each year are attracted to Dartmoor?s natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and the opportunities the national park offers for quiet recreational enjoyment.
?There has been some very
positive feedback from conference delegates and an increasing appreciation and support for quality, sustainability and social inclusion as key elements in the long-term vision for tourism in the park.?
The Dartmoor partnership, which includes the Tavistock Chamber of Commerce and the Tamar Valley Countryside Service, was set up in 1999.
The partnership meets twice a year to provide a network and co-ordination function for organisations involved in the development of tourism on Dartmoor.