Negative Impacts of tourism

Between 2012 and 2016 [16], residents’ opinions of tourism have remained unchanged. Over half of all residents’ agree that because of tourism there are better opportunities for recreation. 8 in 10 agreed that tourism supported local business through visitor spend and only 16% of residents thought that tourism did not help protect the National Park.

The Peak District National Park Authority recognises that residents are broadly in favour of tourism in the Peak District National Park. However, there remain locations within the National Park where the pressure of tourism at its peak can be detrimental for local communities. It is difficult to quantify impacts of Tourism on Wildlife and local communities across the National Park. Many issues can arise, such as:

• Congestion of villages and beauty spots

• Organised events

• Erosion of paths and sensitive vegetation

• Damage and disturbance to wildlife

• Litter

• Damage to farmland and business?

Evidence shows the recreational disturbance had decreased with resurfacing the Pennine Way. Results suggest that high levels of disturbance can impact upon habitat usage by upland waders, but only in limited circumstances where visitor pressure is very high (greater than at least 30 visitors per weekend day). However, access to such areas can be permitted for large numbers of visitors without impacting upon wader reproductive performance through the provision of a well-surfaced route [27].