In reply to Stuart Williams:
It arrived in my junk mailbox, so I didn't see it immediately. Once I realised that I was unlikely to get spammed in Welsh I opened it and had a look.
Most of the conclusions fall into "No shit, Sherlock" territory, but that is often the outcome of consultations, they provide evidence for what is (or should be) blindingly obvious. People support the idea of sustainable tourism but are sceptical that it can be delivered - what a surprise. Better parking, more frequent and more reliable bus services, safer provision for walking and cycling. Locals have different needs from visitors, and different groups of visitors have different needs. All stating the obvious, but a basis to go to the next stage using evidence rather than assumptions.
I suppose from our perspective it is helpful that it recognises that what it terms "Special Interest groups", meaning not only outdoor activities/mountaineering/climbing but also equestrians and motorhomes, have different needs to both locals and 'holiday' visitors. Outdoor activities want to be able to get to our chosen locations earlier, and leave later, and visit throughout the year when other visitor numbers are lower. We may have heavy and/or bulky equipment unsuited to public transport, and outdoor centres may have minibuses and trailers. We may need to revise our plans at short notice. There may be safety considerations. There is a clear conflict between these needs and a policy of encouraging everyone into transport hubs from where they travel onwards by public transport. The report acknowledges that if the provisions don't meet people's needs then they won't use them, but doesn't (so far as I can see) recognise that the consequence might be that these visitors, and their spending (which makes a significant contribution to the local economy), may simply go elsewhere.
The crunch will come at the next stage, when actual proposals emerge. I think they have learned from previous initiatives which attempted to largely exclude cars from the central area, but it will be interesting to see what they come up with.
I can't say I'm not worried. I live within about 2 hours' drive from Snowdonia, but at least double that by public transport. Anything which makes it more difficult to move around there could easily mean it is not worth staying in the area and I might as well just visit for the day. If they make that too difficult as well then I might end up going to the Lakes more often.