Five destinations have been awarded Coach Friendly status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) over the past five days to mark National Coach Week.
The grouped area of Sidmouth, Seaton and Honiton joined Rochdale and Dunfermline as one of three destinations newly granted the accreditation.
Meanwhile, Alnwick and the five Royal Horticultural Society sites in England had their accreditations renewed.
This brings to 39 the number of destinations that have the accreditation, which is given in recognition of commitment to welcoming coaches, their passengers, and drivers.
Key local figures, such as the departing Mayor of Rochdale, Shakil Ahmed, attended the various presentation ceremonies held at each of the sites.
Phil Smith, UK Coach Manager at the Confederation of Passenger Transport, says: “Our Coach Friendly accreditation recognises destinations that truly value the contribution of coaches to local economies and the environment.
“We look forward to seeing even more visitors discover all that our accredited locations have to offer.”
Other locations this year to have been awarded Coach Friendly status include Exmouth and Ilkley.
CPT says the accreditation is open to any city, town or village “that can demonstrate a significant tourism offer” or attractions “that wish to generate more visitors and see coaches as a means of achieving this sustainably”.
It is promoted by CPT as a way of increasing visitors to the location, identifying the area with sustainable tourism and gaining publicity through the trade body’s channels.
For more information on joining the scheme, visit CPT’s website.
