TOURISM NEWS

PETE COMES ASHORE

Scillonian III marked the end of an era last month as Master Pete Crawford made his final voyage from St Mary’s to Penzance after 39 seasons on board.

Crawford, 60, will be retiring in January after sailing approximately 666,000 miles on Scillonian III – or more than 30 times around the world.

It is estimated he has made more than 9,000 return journeys to the islands and carried more than two million passengers.

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to have worked on board such an iconic and wellloved ship,” he said. “I’d like to thank the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company for giving me this opportunity, and the Scillonian crew past and present. I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Crawford, who lives in Penzance with his wife Angie, joined Scillonian in 1983 as a 22-year-old radio officer. His first job was collecting tickets from passengers on the gangway. With the company’s support, Crawford studied for his deck tickets and in 1992 became Scillonian III’s chief officer, before taking over as relief master in 2002.

SUSTAINABLETOURISM PLEDGE

Services for Tourism has become a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism that was launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) last month.

The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism unites travel and tourism behind a common set of pathways for climate action, aligning the sector with global commitments and catalysing collaborative solutions to the many challenges facing businesses and destinations globally. The Glasgow Declaration encourages the acceleration of climate action in tourism by securing commitments to reduce emissions in tourism by at least 50% over the next decade and achieve Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050. As a signatory of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, Services for Tourism has committed to aligning its actions with the latest scientific recommendations, so as to ensure its approach remains consistent with a rise of no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.

It also has agreed to deliver climate action plans within 12 months, aligning with the five pathways of the Declaration (Measure, Decarbonise, Regenerate, Collaborate, Finance), report publicly on an annual basis, work in a collaborative spirit sharing good practices and solutions and disseminating information.

Services for Tourism director, Robin Barker, said: “Tourism brings many benefits to the world through education, jobs, leisure and wellbeing, but can also cause damage to communities and the environment. We are committed to encouraging ‘good tourism’ – hence our support for this commitment.”

HAPPY STORY FOR BODMIN JAIL

Bodmin Jail has been announced among the latest winners of VisitEngland’s Visitor Attraction Accolades.

The winners were awarded accolades based on the scores they gained in their annual Visitor Attraction Quality Scheme assessment.

The 76 attractions are recognised for the “exceptional experiences” they provide visitors from Welcome Accolade, Hidden Gem, Best Told Story, Quality Food and Drink and the Gold Accolade for all-round top-scoring attractions.

Bodmin Jail won its award in the Best Told Story category.

HAPPY VALLEY

Lappa Valley has launched a £1.2 million indoor complex helping to futureproof its offering throughout the year.

The Engine Shed, a 7,000 square foot new building, includes a large coffee shop and café alongside a substantial multi-level soft play area where young children can play safely. There is also a park and decked area to enjoy coffee and lunch outdoors overlooking the lake.

The opening of the facility was delayed due to the pandemic, but owner Keith Southwell is delighted that with support from Barclays, including Covid funding which helped to keep the business afloat during lockdown, as well as a bumper summer season, that the works have finally been completed.

“This is a really exciting time for the whole team at Lappa Valley,” he said. “The Engine Shed will provide a place for parents to refuel and for children to let off steam.”