Stephen Remington Group

Deputy Mayor Stephen Remington hosts MSc Environmental Management students.

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Yesterday, Deputy Mayor Stephen Remington hosted an educational session for the University of Plymouth MSc Environmental Management students, focusing on sustainable tourism management in Looe.

The students had a chance to explore key topics such as the balance between economic growth and environmental preservation, with particular attention to social, economic, and environmental challenges in a tourism-dependent town like Looe.

Some of the key discussion points included:

  • Tourism seasonality: Addressing the need to extend the tourist season beyond the traditional summer months, thereby supporting the local economy year-round while reducing pressure on local services and infrastructure during peak periods.
  • Challenges of tourism: Issues such as waste management due to increased tourist numbers, the strain on local resources, and the environmental footprint of tourism were highlighted.
  • Housing and accommodation: The rise of holiday lets and Airbnbs, which can lead to housing shortages for locals and potential changes in the social fabric of the community, was a significant topic of concern.

The session, organised by the University of Plymouth, provided a valuable platform for the students to discuss real-world applications of sustainable tourism, offering them insight into both the barriers and the opportunities for sustainable development in coastal towns like Looe. Hopefully, these discussions will inform future strategies and solutions in their environmental management careers!