Sustainable tourism to conquer Périgord-Limousin

Sustainable tourism, a lever for local economic development

Due to the multitude of tourism operators and the proliferation of communication media, the park territory suffers from a lack of visibility as a tourist destination, even though the image of regional natural parks is very carrier.

The development of the eco-tourism offer in the territory, by promoting the practice of soft activities and roaming, by qualifying the services and tourist sites and by supporting the actors, is a lever to differentiate the destination Regional natural park Périgord-Limousin.

The 12 principles of sustainable tourism are to be implemented operationally in the territory:

• Recognize a protected space as a fundamental part of our heritage that must be preserved and enjoyed by future generations. 
• Develop and manage tourism in protected areas in a sustainable manner, taking into account the needs of the environment, residents, local businesses and tourists. 
• Team working by involving all those who directly participate in the management of tourism in the protected area and beyond.
• Prepare and implement a strategy sustainable tourism and an action program for protected areas.
• Protect and enhance natural and cultural heritage of the space protected by and for tourism and protect this heritage from excessive tourist development.
• Offer all visitors a high-quality tourist offer for all aspects of their visit.
• Communicate effectively to visitors about the specific qualities of the region.
• Promote specific tourism products which offer discovery and a good understanding of the landscape.
• Increase knowledge of protected areas and sustainability issues to all those involved in tourism.
• Ensuring tourism supports and does not reduce the quality of life of residents.
• Increase the benefits of the local economy due to tourism.
• Control and influence tourist flows in order to reduce negative impacts.

Strengthen and network the tourist offer through the development of gentle and itinerant discovery activities

By networking stakeholders, the park strengthens and structures this tourist offer promoting sporting activities and outdoor leisure activities for the benefit of the discovery of heritage and the reconciliation of practices.

Supporting tourism stakeholders in an ecotourism approach

The park supports accommodation professionals in better taking into account environmental requirements and thus contributes to the progression of the offer of ecotourism services. The progression of accommodation providers towards a more sustainable offer can be achieved by joining the Valeurs Parc naturel régional brand which offers a charter dedicated to tourist accommodation in the region.

Ensure the promotion of the Park territory as a tourist destination

By designing tourism products that give identity to the territory which favor outdoor activities, artisanal know-how, gastronomy and well-being stays and by optimizing communication tools and promotional actions, the park builds the image of the region. Périgord-Limousin in terms of tourist destination.

Actions to develop sustainable tourism in Périgord-Limousin

Through various actions, the park supports tourist providers towards eco-tourism requalification and better promotion of the existing offer.