Welcome from the Rural Tourist: A new blog for a ‘new normal’

I never could have imagined penning the first blog post in such peculiar and unprecedented (a word over used in the media) circumstances. Starting a blog to champion all that is great about the rural aspects of an industry that has been brought to a complete standstill by an agile and invisible uncertainty. But that is where we begin, and amidst a backdrop of genuine struggle and change, perhaps there is no better time to start the positive conversations, around recovery, around quality, sound innovation, around those personal experiences that can't be truly experienced through a stuttering video conference. In fact, sitting on this idea for more months (and years) than I care to remember, I am encouraged and convinced more than ever, of the significant part our rural communities and economies have to play in providing opportunity for travel, for adventure and for learning and why I feel the time is right to launch a blog that showcases and supports the best the UK has to offer. 

There is no getting away from the fact the next few months will be unbelievably tough for everyone in our industry, but perhaps none more so than for the huge number of small businesses that are the lifeblood of the sector. However, in every crisis, there is opportunity and the rural tourism industry will arguably have the starring role as the economy and the country as a whole emerges from this challenging period.  

There is so much to discuss and so much to react to. I hope you will join the discussion. 

The Rural Tourist