UK Community Tourism Alliance - a discussion
Who are we?
We are a collection of community focused organisations/projects from around the UK discussing the need for a 'Community Led Tourism Alliance'.
England https://www.goodorganisation.co.uk/about.html in York
Scotland https://www.scoto.co.uk/about/ representing the whole of Scotland (they are the most organised among us)
Wales https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/ and our Community Research Network https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/community-research-network.html and People's Economy peopleseconomyuk.org/what-were-building/
Northern Ireland discussions are happening and we hope a NI partner will join us soon
We all met at the "Tourism: Our Voice" conference in York, 3 July 2025, which focused on community-led, sustainable tourism. See the 2025 agenda tourism_programme.pdf.
Why we support a national voice and a declaration for action
We feel the need to create a UK response/endorsement to The Reykjavik Declaration (Nov 2025) European tourism agreement https://transition-pathways.europa.eu/tourism/news/european-tourism-leaders-embrace-reykjavik-declaration-community-focused-future
Reykjavík Declaration:
"Through this statement, we promote a vision of tourism focused on people, places, and purpose, with the primary aim of enhancing the well-being of residents across Europe. Our commitment is to support thriving communities, protect Europe’s cultural and natural resources, and promote respectful interactions between visitors and hosts."
Sharing our experiences and knowledge
Share and learn at the Community Tourism Knowledge Exchange, SCOTO Gathering 2026, Glasgow 5-6 March 2026.
Scottish Community Tourism National Conference & Learning Exchange - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
www.scoto.co.uk/networking-events/2026-scoto-gathering/
BOOK NOW here app.bolderspace.com/web/6925d34e2a2c7c1d4b49af3a
Next steps
Drafting a 'Declaration for Action' as a response to the Reykjavík Declaration for discussion.
Think about developing a UK wide best practice model of tourism levies. This is in respond to the variety and 'mess' of top down tourism policies. Current levies are inconsistent, focus on revenue generation and and lack a view on the community impact. We acknowledge the research gap between revenue generation and the impact on communities and small business.
Work together to produce the website communitytourismalliance.uk where experiences, ideas and solutions can be shared.
Joanna Hatch, Foundational Economy Alliance Organiser and Dolennu Project Lead says:
"The Dolennu project's ongoing programme of training and support is developing research skills and an understanding of tourism and our economy. We are learning about the distinctive character of each of the valley communities (Conwy, Ffestiniog, Nantlle and Ogwen) and the challenges and opportunities these communities face.
We are excited to bring our learning and experiences to the Community Tourism Knowledge Exchange at the SCOTO Gathering 2026." https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/community-research-network.html
We are a collection of community focused organisations/projects from around the UK discussing the need for a 'Community Led Tourism Alliance'.
England https://www.goodorganisation.co.uk/about.html in York
Scotland https://www.scoto.co.uk/about/ representing the whole of Scotland (they are the most organised among us)
Wales https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/ and our Community Research Network https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/community-research-network.html and People's Economy peopleseconomyuk.org/what-were-building/
Northern Ireland discussions are happening and we hope a NI partner will join us soon
We all met at the "Tourism: Our Voice" conference in York, 3 July 2025, which focused on community-led, sustainable tourism. See the 2025 agenda tourism_programme.pdf.
Why we support a national voice and a declaration for action
We feel the need to create a UK response/endorsement to The Reykjavik Declaration (Nov 2025) European tourism agreement https://transition-pathways.europa.eu/tourism/news/european-tourism-leaders-embrace-reykjavik-declaration-community-focused-future
Reykjavík Declaration:
"Through this statement, we promote a vision of tourism focused on people, places, and purpose, with the primary aim of enhancing the well-being of residents across Europe. Our commitment is to support thriving communities, protect Europe’s cultural and natural resources, and promote respectful interactions between visitors and hosts."
Sharing our experiences and knowledge
Share and learn at the Community Tourism Knowledge Exchange, SCOTO Gathering 2026, Glasgow 5-6 March 2026.
Scottish Community Tourism National Conference & Learning Exchange - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
www.scoto.co.uk/networking-events/2026-scoto-gathering/
BOOK NOW here app.bolderspace.com/web/6925d34e2a2c7c1d4b49af3a
Next steps
Drafting a 'Declaration for Action' as a response to the Reykjavík Declaration for discussion.
Think about developing a UK wide best practice model of tourism levies. This is in respond to the variety and 'mess' of top down tourism policies. Current levies are inconsistent, focus on revenue generation and and lack a view on the community impact. We acknowledge the research gap between revenue generation and the impact on communities and small business.
Work together to produce the website communitytourismalliance.uk where experiences, ideas and solutions can be shared.
Joanna Hatch, Foundational Economy Alliance Organiser and Dolennu Project Lead says:
"The Dolennu project's ongoing programme of training and support is developing research skills and an understanding of tourism and our economy. We are learning about the distinctive character of each of the valley communities (Conwy, Ffestiniog, Nantlle and Ogwen) and the challenges and opportunities these communities face.
We are excited to bring our learning and experiences to the Community Tourism Knowledge Exchange at the SCOTO Gathering 2026." https://www.foundationalalliance.wales/community-research-network.html
South Lakeland Poverty Truth CommissionWritten and narrated by Sarah, South Lakeland Poverty Truth Community Commissioner, this short film focuses on the issue of making a home in an area dominated by tourism. Sarah was a speaker at the 'Tourism: Our Voice' conference 3 July 2025 at York St John Creative Centre, York.
Find out more about South Lakes Poverty Truth Commission here https://cumbriacvs.org.uk/about-us/south-lakeland-ptc/ |
SCOTOScottish Community Tourism National Conference & Learning Exchange - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
www.scoto.co.uk/networking-events/2026-scoto-gathering/ BOOK NOW here app.bolderspace.com/web/6925d34e2a2c7c1d4b49af3a |