Sharing the benefits of rural tourism

Responsible tourism is an important lifeline for many rural areas, creating jobs and boosting the local economy, as tourists visit attractions, eat out, and buy local produce and souvenirs. As our locations are away from the tourist hot spots, they can make a real difference to many local people and businesses.

How we share the benefits of rural tourism

• We have created over 700 local jobs across the UK. On average 60 jobs are created for the rural community at each of our locations.
• Each year, our guests spend an estimated £20 million per annum in local rural communities outside of our locations.
• With our locations open 365 days a year, we provide reliable employment and year-round trade for local businesses.
• We support tourism campaigns, helping to promote the surrounding area and regions in which we are located.
• Since 2006, we have invested approximately £100 million into rural areas across Great Britain.

Local jobs

Our cabin locations are open every day of the year and our occupancy rates average 92%. This allows us to offer reliable jobs and career opportunities, from part-time housekeeping roles to full time management roles. For many of our team members being able to live and work in their local area is a major benefit and it means we play our part in stemming the exodus of people from rural to urban areas.

To support people to grow their own business ideas in rural areas, we have joined forces with The Prince’s Countryside Fund to launch a new start up grant. This will help individuals to develop their ideas and crucially to build their business in the local area, stimulating economic growth from within.

Discover our careers

Local suppliers

We buy and contract locally, keeping as much of our own spend in the area as we can. For our guests, discovering and sampling regional specialities is part of their holiday experience, and we buy food, drink, crafts and other items from local suppliers. We also offer our guests a range of holiday adventures and extras from local suppliers. This includes activities such as horse riding and canoeing , and everything from cruises on Loch Lomond to vineyard tours in Hampshire. As well as our guest-related produce and services, we award contracts to local tradespeople for cabin maintenance and we use the services of local wildlife and ecology experts. 

 

Local tourism

Our holiday offer is based around connecting people with nature and the areas they are visiting. There’s no fence around our locations, no franchise restaurants and no entertainments committee. It is our policy to actively encourage our guests to go out, explore and enjoy what the area has to offer. We recommend and market local restaurants, pubs, and businesses, tell people which butcher we are buying our sausages and bacon from, and showcase local produce and crafts in our shop. Our blog, Forestipedia, promotes the areas around our locations, list seasonal events and provides inspiration for tourists who are looking for UK holidays.