Tourism and Recreation

RPA’s work on tourism ranges from the development and evaluation of tourism strategies and policies, through the sustainability of tourism and accessibility of tourism to people with disabilities to evaluation of specific initiatives.

Tourism Strategies

RPA assisted the Mersey Basin Campaign and the Environment Agency to prepare reports to support additions or deletions from the current site designations under the EC Bathing Water Directive in the North West.  Cost-benefit analysis was undertaken for a number of sites, together with a SWOT analysis.  We also derived data on recreational use and amenities to support the development of a strategy for long-term management of the North Norfolk Coast and carried out a study for Natural England to identify and cost options to improve access to the English coastline through provision of coastal paths.  Read more…

Sustainable Tourism

RPA carried out an economic and feasibility assessment of a sustainable tourism project in the Norfolk Broads, which combined canoeing and camping.  The project explored the demand, produced a costed business plan and developed the concept so that grant-aid funding may be applied for.  We also assisted the European Commission to prepare an Extended Impact Assessment on the European Commission’s Communication (and basic approach) towards sustainable European tourism.  Read more…

Accessible Tourism

We developed harmonised criteria for good accessibility of tourist sites for disabled people for the European Commission.  The study reviewed existing use of accessibility criteria, including EU-wide consultation with disabled people and the tourism sector, to assist in identifying a consistent approach for disabled access to EU tourist facilities.

Safety of Fairgrounds and Amusement Parks

We prepared a comprehensive assessment of non-regulatory measures across the EU, which are aimed at improving consumer safety in fairgrounds and amusement parks, and identified options for improvement.  The study involved consultation with Competent Authorities, industry representatives and consumer organisations.  Read more…