Eco-Tourism Summit: A Fresh Future for Romney Marsh

Lynne Beaumont has announced a first meeting for a new project to boost eco-tourism across Romney Marsh. Lynne, a local Councillor and the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Folkestone and Hythe, is promoting an umbrella scheme across Romney Marsh, from Rye to Hythe, under the flag of "Eco-Tourism".

The meeting will bring together all those with an interest in developing environmentally sustainable tourism on Romney Marsh. Local businesses, the RSPB, Natural England, Town and Parish Councils, Kent and Shepway Councils, existing tourist attractions, accommodation providers and all those with an interest and ideas to develop the Marsh tourism economy are welcome to attend. The meeting is being held on the 1st March 2010, at 2 pm at the RSPB reserve at Dungeness, Kent.

Lynne Beaumont said:

"Romney Marsh is a unique site in the UK, and the world. We should be making much more of it, encouraging people from the UK and beyond to enjoy a sustainable 'staycation' here.

"The area already has fantastic attractions that add further to its unique environmental status, and businesses offering great accommodation and ways of sampling the delights of local produce - from restaurants to railways to farmshops. But working together we can develop and promote this so much better - better transport links, encouraging new uses of our countryside and coast, developing the accommodation offer and promoting the Marsh nationally and internationally.

We should have a strategy - a vision - to encourage holidays where people can walk, cycle, ride, swim, dive, fish, explore, learn, farm and eat locally. A vision which explains why the area is unique, and how it has always been, continues to be and will in the future be affected by climate change.

"This project will enhance tourism, economy, job opportunities, and provide a real way forward for the whole of Romney Marsh to enhance its future, and for many more people to enjoy its beauty, without damaging the environment.

"But it's no use this being the idea of one group, one council, one business. It will only work with the buy-in and engagement of people and organisations across the area. If you have an interest in seeing the development of tourism opportunities across Romney Marsh I would be delighted to see you there and hear your ideas. I would be grateful if you could let me know if you are able to attend this meeting.

"I would be only too pleased to talk to you about this project. Please do get in touch on 07885 940 945 or email lynne@shepwaylibdems.org.uk

"I look forward to hearing from you, and explaining in more detail the ideas for the future of Romney Marsh."