By Angela Green
Figures reported by The BBC show visitors to Devon and Cornwall down 20% this summer. The South West Business Council report feedback from local businesses, and their own visitor analysis, demonstrating tourism numbers were down between 17% and 20%. Visit Devon’s numbers estimate visitor numbers were down 16% to 20%, while Visit Cornwall estimated numbers were down by about 10%.
All forms of media reporting this year have featured the odious reality of UK water companies dumping raw sewage into our seas. As computer, phone and television screens, radios and newspapers across the world inform on the nauseating sewage dumping, this has undoubtedly contributed to the lower tourism numbers now being witnessed.
The water companies continue to pay eye watering dividends to shareholders despite making huge losses and failing to invest in infrastructure to solve the problem. To add insult to injury, as they syphon money out from the businesses and fail to deliver any sort of environmental service to the British public, government sit by failing to curb what is happening.
The dumping of raw sewage by water companies into UK seas and waterways has a significant and detrimental impact on tourism. Tourism is a crucial industry for the UK, contributing billions of pounds to the economy each year and providing employment opportunities in various regions. However, the environmental damage caused by raw sewage discharge can harm the natural beauty and cleanliness of coastal areas, deterring both domestic and international tourists.
One of the most immediate and visible impacts of sewage dumping is water pollution. When raw sewage enters the seas and waterways, it contaminates the water, making it unsafe for swimming and other recreational activities.
Tourists are attracted to coastal areas for their pristine beaches and clear waters, and the presence of sewage pollution can tarnish the image of these destinations.
Waterborne diseases and illnesses can result from exposure to contaminated water, which can deter tourists from visiting affected areas.
Furthermore, sewage pollution can lead to beach closures and advisories, limiting tourists’ access to these areas and disrupting their travel plans.
The negative consequences of sewage pollution are not limited to water quality alone. The environmental damage inflicted by raw sewage can harm aquatic ecosystems and marine life. This can have a ripple effect on the appeal of these areas for tourists.
For instance, the presence of sewage can lead to the growth of harmful algal blooms and the depletion of oxygen in the water, resulting in fish kills and the death of other marine organisms. The sight of dead fish and polluted shorelines is not an inviting prospect for tourists seeking a picturesque seaside vacation.
Moreover, sewage pollution can impact the diversity of wildlife in coastal areas.
Many tourists are drawn to these areas for the opportunity to observe marine life such as dolphins, seals, and seabirds. However, when sewage pollution disrupts the marine ecosystem, it can lead to a decline in these species, reducing the attractiveness of these destinations for eco-tourists and wildlife enthusiasts.
The economic implications of sewage pollution on tourism are substantial. Tourists contribute significantly to the local economies of coastal regions, spending money on accommodation, dining, pubs, bars, and nightclubs.
When the quality of the environment is compromised by sewage contamination, tourists may opt for alternative destinations, resulting in a decline in revenue for local businesses and job losses in the tourism sector. Additionally, property values in affected areas can decrease, impacting homeowners and local tax revenue.
In the age of social media and online reviews, negative experiences related to sewage pollution can spread quickly, damaging the reputation of destinations, and dissuading potential tourists from visiting. Tourists often rely on online platforms to share their travel experiences and seek recommendations. Reports of sewage-related issues can deter potential visitors and harm the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry in affected areas.
To mitigate the impact of sewage pollution on tourism, urgent action is needed.
Water companies should invest in modernising sewage treatment infrastructure to prevent discharges of raw sewage into UK seas and waterways. Stricter regulations and enforcement mechanisms should also be in place to hold responsible parties accountable for pollution incidents. Public awareness campaigns can also educate tourists about the importance of responsible behaviour, such as avoiding littering and disposing of waste properly, to reduce pollution.
The dumping of raw sewage by water companies into UK seas and waterways has a profound and negative impact on tourism. Water pollution, environmental damage, health risks, economic losses, and damage to a destination’s reputation are all consequences of sewage contamination.
To protect the tourism industry and the natural beauty of coastal areas, it is imperative that measures are taken to prevent sewage pollution and ensure the sustainability of these valuable destinations.