What are the consequences of small towns ignoring the theme?
Examination of the factors behind the importance of tourism to small towns highlighted the negative consequences of ignoring the theme. The main findings were:
Tendency to overlook or fail to protect and conserve the natural and built environment and heritage of the town leading to bland, unattractive or featureless towns (see ‘Natural Heritage' and 'Built Heritage’ and ‘Town Centre Management’ components).
Reduced numbers of independent shops leading to the predominance of supermarkets and national chains with less involvement in local issues like civic pride.
Less opportunity for sustainable employment or local economic growth and with a greater vulnerability to adverse changes in key industries (see ‘Equal Opportunity and Inclusion’ component).
Less engagement by local businesses and residents, who may increasingly view the town as having little to offer (see ‘Community Dialougue and Engagement’ component).
Less arts and cultural development potentially and with fewer facilities for young people.
Areas of towns sacrificed to anti-social activity and lower levels of community safety.
