‘Cloudy sky over Sidmouth’ credit Michael Ginsberg
For many years, East Devon’s picturesque countryside and breathtaking coastline have been top national attractions. However, it is now more crucial than ever to collaborate together to preserve its charm and safeguard the area’s natural resources.
Coast Meets Country is a joint tourism initiative by five towns in East Devon:
- Sidmouth
- Budleigh Salterton
- Honiton
- Seaton
- Ottery St. Mary
Together, they are developing a sustainable visitor road map to provide mindful options for accommodation, sightseeing and dining throughout the region, highlighting the many local businesses leading the way in making planet-friendly changes. The project aims to support a connected tourist economy that is sustainable, inclusive and accessible for all, where the benefits of tourism and actively caring for our unique natural environment are felt by residents and visitors alike.
A Leader in Sustainable Tourism
Supported by East Devon District Council’s Innovation and Resilience Fund, the group is collaborating in a project that endeavours to make the region a green leader. To guide their efforts, they are using The Travel Foundation’s Tourism Recovery & Resilience Framework which is a tested approach used in various locations worldwide.
Seeking to empower local businesses by providing them with training, mentoring and guidance, the ultimate aim is to enable these businesses to maximise the advantages of visitors to the area while reducing their ecological footprint.
Changemaker Champions
There are many businesses identified as already implementing sustainable practices and these have been awarded the status of Changemaker Champions.
The initiative believes that these Champions can help lead the way to green success for East Devon by actively promoting best practice.
By proactively advocating to foster sustainability and accessibility, the aim is to strive towards establishing the region as the premier year-round tourist destination in Devon.
Get Involved
If you are a local business that embodies a sustainable ethos, you can get involved! In appreciation for your participation, you will be featured on the sustainability pages of the recently launched tourism websites for Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Seaton, Honiton and Ottery St. Mary. These websites build upon the proven success of Visit Sidmouth which achieved more than 1. 5 million page views in 2022. Our partner businesses will also enjoy a range of benefits including:
Mentorship and support
- Sustainability training and guidance from industry leaders
- Networking with other environmentally friendly businesses
- Support in decreasing carbon footprint and other environmental goals
- Access to suite of sustainability resources
Visibility & Recognition
- Digital promotion through destination tourism websites
- Social media promotion in the form of videos, interviews and case studies
- Green credentials to use in your marketing and storefront
- Recognition as a leader in green tourism in East Devon
Virtually Leading the way to a Greener Future
In June 2023, Coast & Country delivered an exciting Tourism Sustainability webinar in partnership with The Travel Foundation. The session demonstrated how local businesses can adopt sustainable practices to help strengthen and future-proof themselves to gain a competitive advantage. View a recording of the webinar below, and join the initiative to transform East Devon into a leader in sustainable tourism.