Global Network of National Geoparks

Passport wil open Gateway to Geopark

Source :http://www.globalgeopark.org Source:English Riviera Global Geopark Published :August 12, 2009


Visitors and locals alike will now be able to explore the wonders of the English Riviera Global Geopark and get big discounts on some of Torbay's top visitor attractions at the same time.

A new Geopark Heritage Passport has been launched which will give holders free parking at the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust sites at Cockington and Berry Head, half price entry into the other participating attractions and a 10 per cent discount in Occombe Farm shop.

The Passport is a collaboration between key Geopark sites, including Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust, Kents Cavern, Torquay Museum and Greenway Ferries. It costs just £10 for a week.

Visitors to each of the key Geopark sites will be able to learn more about the unique geological, historical and cultural heritage that in 2007 earned the English Riviera its coveted status as one of only 59 Global Geoparks across the world, endorsed by UNESCO.

TCCT spokesman Kate Foster said: "We want to trial the passport this year and hope that as awareness of the Geopark grows, so will take-up of this scheme. It will make it easy, and good value, for people to visit the Geopark Gateway sites. I am hoping as well that this is the first step towards an Attractions Pass - one ticket for all the attractions in the Bay."

Kents Cavern's proprietor Nick Powe said: "We should be very proud of our Geopark status. This new passport will not only prove fantastic value for visitors and locals alike, but will also help to explain what the English Riviera Geopark is all about. Few of us are aware of the impact that geology has had on Torbay - creating the beautiful coastline we know and love today, that in turn has shaped the area's wildlife, people and culture."

The English Riviera Geopark Passport is available from Torquay, Paignton and Brixham tourist information centres and through their on-line shops as well as from trust sites.

It is also hoped the passport will be available from many of the accommodation providers in due course.

Money raised from the Geopark Heritage Passport will help the TCCT charity to continue to look after some of the area's most important wildlife and heritage sites in its care. The trust was part of the team instrumental in gaining Geopark status for the Bay.