Regenerative Tourism Policy

Our commitment

At the Spitfire Visitor Centre, we believe tourism should create a positive and lasting impact. Our aim is not only to welcome visitors and share the incredible story of the Spitfire and Blackpool’s aviation heritage, but to ensure that every visit contributes positively to our local area, our community, our environment, and future generations.

Regenerative tourism means leaving a place better than we found it. We are committed to operating responsibly by protecting our local heritage, reducing our environmental impact, supporting local communities, and encouraging visitors, suppliers, staff and partners to take positive action.

Through our visitor experience, operations and partnerships, we aim to inspire people to value local heritage, sustainability and the importance of protecting the places we enjoy.

Climate Action

The Spitfire Visitor Centre recognises the importance of reducing carbon emissions and supporting the transition towards a more sustainable future.

We are committed to:

Reviewing our energy use and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency across our visitor facilities.
Reducing unnecessary energy consumption through responsible management of lighting, heating and equipment.
Encouraging sustainable travel choices by promoting access information for visitors arriving by public transport, walking, cycling and shared transport where possible.
Working with local suppliers and partners who share our commitment to reducing environmental impacts.
Supporting education across our Volunteer team, by raising awareness and highlighting the importance of protecting our planet for future generations.

As a visitor attraction celebrating aviation history, we recognise our responsibility to balance the story of the past with action for a more sustainable future.

Circular Economy & Responsible Resource Management

We aim to reduce waste and make responsible choices through careful management of resources.

Our commitments include:

Reducing waste wherever possible through efficient purchasing and operational practices.
Supporting recycling and responsible disposal of materials throughout the visitor centre.
Working with suppliers who demonstrate sustainable practices and responsible sourcing.
Considering the environmental impact of products, materials and services used within our operation and purchasing from local suppliers when possible.
Encouraging visitors, staff and partners to make sustainable choices.

We value quality, longevity and preservation — principles that reflect both the heritage of our buildings and Aircraft and our approach to protecting resources for the future.

Biodiversity & Supporting Nature

We recognise the importance of protecting and enhancing the natural environment around us.

We are committed to:

Respecting the local environment and encouraging visitors to appreciate the natural spaces around Blackpool and the wider Lancashire area.
Supporting responsible tourism that protects local habitats and wildlife.
Looking for opportunities to improve biodiversity through future environmental projects and partnerships.
Encouraging visitors to leave no trace of their visits and respect the open spaces they visit.

By connecting people with local history, aviation and the local coastal environment, we aim to inspire greater appreciation for the Fylde Coast and its bio-diversity.

Place-Based Tourism & Supporting Our Community

The Spitfire Visitor Centre is proud to be part of the Fylde Coast community and recognises the importance of tourism that benefits local people.

We are committed to:

Celebrating and protecting the aviation heritage of the Fylde Coast and sharing stories connected to the local area.
Providing visitors with an authentic experience that reflects Blackpool’s unique history and character.
Supporting local businesses, suppliers and community organisations wherever possible.
Creating a welcoming and accessible attraction for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Ensuring tourism activity enhances the area rather than causing harm.

Our goal is to encourage visitors to connect with the Fylde Coast, respect its heritage and contribute positively to the destination.

Inspiring Visitors, Volunteers & Partners

We believe regenerative tourism is a shared responsibility.

Through our visitor experience, we aim to inspire:

Visitors to travel responsibly and value the places they explore.
Staff to support sustainable practices in their daily roles.
Suppliers and partners to work with us towards shared environmental and community goals.

By sharing the story of RAF Squires Gate, and Lancashire’s wider Aviation Story, including the Spitfire — we can inspire new generations to understand and appreciate an aircraft built through innovation, teamwork and determination — we aim to inspire similar values today: protecting our environment, supporting our communities and preserving our Aviation heritage.

Our Future Commitment

The Spitfire Visitor Centre will continue to review and improve its sustainability and regenerative tourism practices.

We recognise that positive change is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to working with our visitors, Volunteers, suppliers and stakeholders to ensure Heritage tourism creates benefits that last well into the future for all the community.

Our mission is simple: to preserve the past, improve the present, and help create a better future for the Fylde Coast and beyond.