MANY people have a misunderstanding of tourism – this is the age of tourism, not travel. The dictionary definition states that a tourist is "A person making a visit, or tour, for interest, enjoyment, recreation, pleasure or holiday." Every time we step outside our own front doors, we are all tourists wherever, or whither, we go. Tourism is the biggest industry in the Forest and benefits us all. We are all the poorer without it.
It is not just the perceived "attractions" which suffer when our visitor numbers decline – hotels, pubs and restaurants all need tourists. We currently are also hearing of bookshops who have no visitors to buy maps and guidebooks or novels to while away a pleasant holiday.
This FMD crisis has affected every type of business – hardly any seasonal work has been on offer this year and this has a knock-on effect on architects and builders as potential customers tighten their belts and opt not to attempt property conversions or improvements for the foreseeable future.
Unfortunately, there will always be a minority of people who perceive tourists as unwelcome intruders seeking fun-fairs, wearing "kiss-me-quick" hats and dropping litter around them.
In the Forest the major "tourist attractions" are also educational facilities, teaching residents and visitors alike the beauties and the way of life of the Dean. Our Forest has so much to offer in the realms of education, social and mining history. We can show a sustainable way of "quality" living, ecologically sound, environmentally friendly, living in tune with nature to our mutual benefit. The tourist attractions are able to provide unique out of doors classrooms which offer teaching and learning resources for all ages.
We should be making the most of what we already have while ensuring that our past history and traditions are not forgotten. Many of these traditions can be revived and would add interest to an already unique region.
We can all learn new facts about our area. I have been recommending reviving the brewing of local cider and perry from the Blakeney pear. I was most interested to receive a call from Jim Chapman, the proprietor of the Shambles Museum in Newent. He mentioned the Hartpury Green pear. I had not realised that the village of Hartpury gets its name from the variety of pear previously grown in the area, the name literally translating as "hard pear." Here is another opportunity to revive a former tradition, promoting growth and the use of this crop, which is reputed to make excellent perry.
Tourism is an industry that does not stand alone. In this region we are interdependent on the farmers and livestock breeders and owners who contribute so much to the unique flavour of the Forest. Tourism needs to support farming and farmers need to support tourism. We have an excellent balance and rapport between the two industries – we need to constantly build on this, supporting and encouraging each other. – Ray Wright, Clearwell Caves.