Tourism
Tourism provides the majority of employment within the AONB and makes a large
contribution to the local economy - its value is estimated at around £87.5
million per year.
The AONB unit works with local tourism associations, tourist boards and Local Authority tourism officers to promote sustainable tourism in the AONB, to increase visitors' awareness and appreciation of the area's special status, to encourage visitors and tourism operators to be more sensitive to conservation issues and to manage the pressures on "honey-pot" sites.
The AONB produces an annual publication, Discover the Wye Valley On Foot and By Bus, which encourages local people and visitors to explore the countryside and visit the area's attractions by using public transport. It makes it easy by including all relevant bus timetables. The booklet also seeks to support the rural economy by promoting local crafts and produce. It can be picked up at tourist information centres in the AONB or can be ordered online.
Leisure
Leisure and recreation activities provide another important contribution to the local economy. These are encouraged within the AONB Management Plan, as long as they do not detract from the natural beauty and quiet enjoyment of the area or conflict with each other.
Pursuits for which the area is especially well-known are canoeing, kayaking, rowing, rafting, rock-climbing, fly-fishing, walking and caving. Horse riding is also a popular activity and the area is home to Chepstow racecourse. Cycling is growing in importance to the area, and specialist providers cater for activities such as ropes courses, balloon flights and archery.
River
The right of navigation on the River Wye extends from Bigsweir, in the Monmouthshire part of the AONB, to Hay-on-Wye, outside the AONB boundary, making it very popular for recreational boating.
The Environment Agency and the Wye Navigation Advisory Committee, along with the Wye Management Advisory Group (WyeMAG), take a lead role in resolving conflicts and deciding what activities are acceptable on the river, where users include fly-fishermen, canoeists, rowers, rafters and pleasure boat operators.
