Tourism has always played a crucial role in the UK’s economy, attracting millions of visitors each year from all around the world, drawn by our famous landmarks, historic sites, and stunning countryside. However, one rising trend that is changing the travel landscape of the UK is community tourism. Community tourism emphasises the importance of locally led experiences and money earned from these experiences is put directly back into the community, creating a mutually beneficial system for both tourist and community. The following blog explores the importance of community tourism and some of our picks for the communities in the UK that are leading the way when it comes to transforming travel in the UK for the better.
So, What is Community Tourism?
Community tourism focusses on experiences that are created and managed by local residents and companies, making sure that the advantages of tourism in the area stay within the community. This form of tourism usually includes cultural exchanges, small-scale accommodation, and locally sourced products and services. Whether it’s staying at a family-run B&B in Cornwall, taking a walking tour in Wales guided by a retired miner, or enjoying a community-organised food festival in the Scottish Highlands, these experiences and more like them will aim to create a stronger bond between visitors and locals.
Community Tourism in the UK
East Belfast
East Belfast has a long history, and like many parts of Northern Ireland, it’s not a linear story. From the city centre, cross the River Lagan and you’ll find yourself in ‘EastSide’ – one of Belfast’s oldest neighbourhoods. Once the beating heart of the city’s Victorian industrial past, EastSide is still home to generations of salt-of-the-earth folks and thriving businesses attracting tourists looking for history, creativity, and hospitality. Former linen mills now house craft breweries and art collectives, and foodie experiences are constantly springing up, including the repurposed shipping containers located at C.S. Lewis Square with its café, gallery and visitor centre. Adjacent to the city’s famous shipyards, EastSide is home to layers of cultural, social, and political heritage. The resilience of this part of Belfast has been tested multiple times; from the tragedy of the Titanic to both World Wars and the period known as ‘The Troubles’. However, it’s tumultuous past has not affected the locals of this neighbourhood as today, they celebrate the global icons that have originated here such as C.S. Lewis, George Best, and Van Morrison, and proudly show visitors the places that inspired them. If you’re serious about getting to know the area, we always recommend chatting with the friendly locals. In EastSide, the local community are front and centre of the neighbourhood’s spirit! For more information, click here.
Braemar Castle
For a remarkable example of community tourism, you just need to head to the Scottish Highlands and visit Braemar Castle in Aberdeenshire. Back in 2007, Braemar Castle was at risk of closing permanently, but the local community stepped in to rescue the castle and its unique contents with generous funding from a benefactor. The castle is now run completely by a dedicated team of local volunteers and staff who organise guided tours, host cultural events, and take care of the castle’s maintenance, ensuring its history remains preserved for future generations to enjoy. The income generated from tourism is reinvested back into the castle and community projects, such as 2019’s ‘Raising the Standard’ project which is aimed at the conservation of the castle for the benefit of the local area. Visitors to Braemar Castle not only experience a rich historical journey but also play a vital role in boosting the economy of the local community.
Community Led Sustainable Tourism Project
If you head down to South West Wales, you’ll find the Community Led Sustainable Tourism Project, a local initiative encouraging car-free travel in the region, focussing on the use of public transport and active travel options. Launched by South West Wales Connected Community Rail Partnership through partnerships and collaborations with local businesses, they aim to show visitors how easy it is to explore and immerse themselves in the beauty of the region without relying on a car. As of March 2024, they now distribute a booklet featuring a suggested week-long itinerary inspiring people to get around South West Wales via bus, train, bike, or by walking. They are always welcoming input from local businesses and visitors to improve experiences for tourists, so head over to their website if you have any suggestions!
Community tourism goes beyond just being a travel trend; it is a movement that is changing how we engage with and support the communities that we explore. In the UK, every village, town, and city have their own unique story, and community tourism celebrates that, offering a platform for these stories to be told by the ones who understand them most – the local residents. By choosing community-led travel experiences, visitors can create a positive impact, making the journey as significant for the host communities as it is for themselves.
Here at Best of Scotland Holidays, we are passionate about community tourism and encourage our overseas clients to explore community-led and locally-ran experiences, accommodations, and hospitality whenever possible. If you’ve been inspired by this blog, and want to incorporate a community tourism experience into your next visit to the UK, contact us with your requirements and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you.
