Cariad Cambrian
Cariad Cambrian – A Cambrian Mountains ‘visitor pay back’ scheme.
The Cambrian Mountains Initiative (CMI) has developed Cariad Cambrian, a visitor pay back scheme that aims to generate income from donations by visitors to the Cambrian Mountains, in order to fund environmental and community development projects within the region.
Visitors to the Cambrian Mountains value the natural beauty of the landscape and the character of the settlements which surround the mountains. Cariad Cambrian (translates as ‘Beloved Cambrian’) simply seeks to remind them that their visit has an impact. By contributing to the fund they will help to ensure that the development of tourism in the region occurs in a sustainable manner, and that the entire local community in which they stay has the means of benefiting from their visit.
Cariad Cambrian is not a tourism tax. Participation in the scheme is purely voluntary on the part of local tourism businesses and the visitor.
How does the scheme operate?
Raising Funds: There are a number of ways the scheme can receive donations from visitors:
- Opting Out: When presented with their bill (for accommodation / meal, etc.) or when paying an entrance fee to an attraction, an additional amount is appended to the total charge. It is clearly explained that this is the Cariad Cambrian donation and there is a tick box to allow the visitor to ‘opt out’ of contributing to the scheme.
- Opting in: Similarly, the bill / entrance fee has a box in which the visitor can offer to make an additional payment to Cariad Cambrian.
- Donation Envelopes: Participating accommodation providers leave branded envelopes and promotional material for the Cariad Cambrian scheme in all their rooms and collect any donations made at the end of their visitors’ stay.
- Donation Boxes: At pubs and restaurants with counters, visitor attractions, etc.
If we can get enough businesses to participate, and if during their stay in the area every visitor can be persuaded to give just £1 to the scheme, there is the potential to raise nearly £1m a year for projects in the Cambrian Mountains.
Dispensing the Money Raised: All donations received are paid into a fund run by the Cambrian Mountains Charity. The Charity considers applications for funding three times a year, with the majority of the funding being paid to voluntary organisations working on behalf of their local communities.
What are the benefits to the local community?
Cariad Cambrian provides the means for local communities to undertake environmental and community development projects that improve the natural environment and quality of life in the necklace of settlements surrounding the Cambrian Mountains.
What are the benefits to tourism businesses?
Visitors are becoming increasingly discerning about where they visit, where they stay, what they eat and what they do when on holiday. As concerns about climate change become increasingly more main stream, businesses that can demonstrate a commitment to sustainable tourism can secure a clear market advantage. By signing up to deliver the scheme, participating businesses will be able to demonstrate to potential customers that they value the same things that provoke their visits to the area.
How do businesses sign up to the scheme?
Nothing could be simpler. Whereas other visitor payback schemes charge a membership fee, Cariad Cambrian is free to join. Businesses simply need to download and fill in the application form and we will send a guide concerning how to operate the scheme and how to market your participation in the scheme to the best advantage. Alternatively, send us your name and address and we will post an application form to you.
Cariad Cambrian - Business Application Form
Cariad Cambrian – Businesses signed up to operate the scheme
Cariad Cambrian – Submit a Return
Cariad Cambrian – Sustainable Development Fund
Cariad Cambrian – Make a donation
Further details on the operation of Cariad Cambrian and the Application forms for grant assistance will be available soon.