Devon and Cornwall’s tourism industry will be greener thanks to the introduction of additional electric vehicle (EV) charge points at some of their most popular tourist destinations. This is one part of the broader strategy to encourage sustainable tourism and support the increasing amount of vistitors choosing to travel to the park with electric vehicles. The effort reached a major milestone at Alton Towers, where Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, met businesses to confirm proposals to expand the nation’s EV chargepoint network around the United Kingdom’s most popular tourist destinations.
The news follows an acceleration in uptake of electric cars in the UK. There could be 41.2 million overseas visits to the UK and 106 million overnight domestic stays across Britain in 2024. With the tourism industry continuing to expand and transform itself, it is important that infrastructure adapts to meet the demand of consumer habits as preferences for more sustainable travel increase. By providing more EV chargepoints at tourism hotspots, we make it easier for drivers to access these iconic locations in electric vehicles, make environmentally friendly travel a valid option for many and help the UK to fulfil its sustainable ambitions.
EV Charging Stations in Tourism Locations
The UK travel space is rapidly changing with demand soaring for electric cars. There are currently around 7,500 electric vehicle (EV) charge points in hotels and tourism sites throughout the UK. But as more people arrive to the area in electric vehicles, there is a greater need for additional EV charging infrastructure. Launched by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), the Bon VoyCharge initiative seeks to tackle the problem by sharing some best practice and calling on businesses and policymakers to do more to improve charging infrastructure at tourist destinations.
The UK is set to have even more tourism in 2025, and the proliferation of EV charging points will be crucial in encouraging sustainable tourism. It will not only enable owners of electric vehicles to more easily reach key destinations, but also appeal to a more eco-friendly type of visitor. Organising partnerships with charging up points and raising awareness among visiting drivers is key to promoting the UK as an attractive destination for eco friendly holidaymakers.
Economic Consequence of EV Recharging in Tourism
The arrival of additional EV charging stations at tourist hotspots will result in an economic lift. First, visitors are able to spend more time enjoying their stay in the UK without having to think or try to find a chargepoint, and therefore providing them with a better experience and higher satisfaction of their stay. The result will probably be longer stays and more spending as well as positive recommendations to the traveling public by environmentally-aware visitors.
It also bodes well for the industry of renting electric vehicle. The BVRLA says that the UK’s rental industry is a vital support for the mobility of holidaymakers who want to see more areas and enjoy a variety of experiences around the country. As electric vehicles continue to proliferate, rental companies too are beginning to adjust by offering an increasing number of electric vehicle rentals for their tourists and any necessary corresponding infrastructure.
For the UK tourism economy, increasing the provision of EV charging points generates a virtuous circle, to the advantage of both tourists and local firms. If charging points for travelers are easily accessible, then travelers are more likely to go to more remote or rural places, that might have otherwise been unreachable with a traditional vehicle. This helps to disperse the financial benefits of tourism outside of big cities, supporting regions that might have previously attracted fewer visitors.
Collaboration Between Industry and Government
The drive for increased EV infrastructure is the culmination of the efforts of multiple stakeholders including, government, tourism, and automotive industries, as well as those involved in servicing tourists. During a roundtable meeting at Alton Towers held last month, Lilian Greenwood MP highlighted the need for cross-sector partnership to grow the UK’s EV infrastructure. Those involved in the roundtable discussion include the BVRLA, Autotrader, Charge UK, EVA England, UK Hospitality and Zapmap – and they are collaborating to make the UK a more accessible destination for electric vehicle drivers.
The role of the government in this effort is so important because it’s what sets the policies and funds in motion to help drive the buildout of EV charging networks. For instance, government-led schemes such as Bon VoyCharge have been created with the aim of incentivizing tourism enterprises to invest in their own charging infrastructure and guidance and assistance for the installation of EV charge points at flagship tourism destinations. These partnerships will also help to ensure that the EV infrastructure is keeping up with the changing travel habits of tourists, and that local companies are informed and equipped to implement sustainable measures.
Sustainable Tourism in the UK: How we can meet the needs of our future visitors
The UK is increasingly taking on the role of leader in sustainable tourism and it will be essential in keeping this reputation to have EV charging infrastructure woven into the tourism experience. Transitioning to EVs is an essential step to help cut the tourism sector’s carbon footprint, and the rollout of charging infrastructure networks will help support this transition. As travellers become increasingly concerned about the environment, the UK’s capacity to provide accessible green travel options will play a key role in securing international and domestic tourists.
The Bon VoyCharge initiative is a key building block in developing a more sustainable tourism model. The initiative will work with local authorities, local businesses and the government to help destinations meet the rising demand from electric vehicle-owning tourists looking for green places to charge their cars. It is not only to fill the needs of EVs of today but also to anticipate the future of mobility, where the industry’s value for sustainability will continue to grow.
Life Beyond Coronavirus: Britain’s Green and Pleasant Land?
The attention on EV charging points will grow in the lead-up to summer 2025. MP Lilian Greenwood and travel experts are promoting the further development of this infrastructure in order to cater to today’s tourists. There is a clear upside to this: to improve the visitor experience, boost economies in the regions and help the UK to achieve its environmental targets. With even more cross-party collaboration and investment in EV infrastructure, the country’s tourism remains on track to deliver a sustainable, accessible and fun experience for all.
The future of travel in the UK is set to be greener and more connected as well: the UK continues to encourage sustainable travel and grow its network of EV charge points. This is only the start of our ambitions for the sector in the short, medium and long term, working with industry and the public, to strengthen the future of UK tourism.
References:
Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (UK), UK Department for Transport, British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), UK Hospitality, Zapmap.
The post Now, Alton Towers, London, Edinburgh, Bath, Manchester, Cardiff, Oxford, Cambridge, York, Liverpool, Bristol, and Glasgow Lead the UK’s Expansion of Electric Vehicle Charging Points for Tourism Growth: Here’s More For Tourists To Know appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
