By Giles Fuchs.
Tourism is a cornerstone of the South West’s economy, but it can only achieve its full potential when it lifts up the entire community. The South West’s rugged coastlines, rolling hills and timeless charm make it one of the most beautiful regions in the country. But what truly makes it special are the people and the communities that give it life. At Burgh Island Hotel, I’ve seen first-hand how businesses can do more than operate here, they can help the region flourish.
Running Burgh Island has never been just about hospitality. It is about connection: to the land, to history and to the people who make this part of the world what it is. Businesses have a unique opportunity to shape the South West’s future, by supporting tourism in a way that benefits everyone, preserving our shared heritage, championing sustainability, creating meaningful employment, and celebrating local culture.
Preserving Heritage and History
Heritage is the heart of the Southwest, and every business has a duty to help protect it. At Burgh Island Hotel, this responsibility runs deep. Our Art Deco hotel is steeped in history, from its collection of antiques to its famous links with Agatha Christie. We’ve invested heavily in restoring original features and maintaining our historic character, ensuring the hotel remains a living piece of the region’s story. For me, preserving the past is not simply about nostalgia; it’s about keeping identity and continuity alive for future generations.
Every guest arrival via the historic sea-tractor underlines this commitment: this 1969 hydraulic vehicle, restored in 2025 in galvanised steel and signature livery, is living heritage. Yet heritage without evolution is stagnation. As we look to convert that sea-tractor to an electric model and continue our multi-million-pound infrastructure programme to safeguard the building and coast against rising sea-levels, we honour the past while preparing for the future.
If tourism is to serve the whole community, it must base itself on roots, identity, architecture, place, not just polished attractions. Preserving and adapting historic assets offers something stronger than luxury: continuity and connection to what makes a region distinctive.
Tourism and the Local Economy
Hotels, as integral parts of the local economy, should engage with the communities around them as part of their social responsibility efforts. This outreach serves a dual purpose: it demonstrates our corporate citizenship while delivering tangible commercial benefits. At Burgh Island Hotel, we make it a priority to ensure our guests experience more than the island itself. We encourage them to explore the nearby villages of Bigbury-on-Sea and beyond, meet local artisans, and enjoy produce from South Hams farms. By connecting visitors with the wider area, we share the benefits of tourism more evenly and strengthen the bond between business and community.
Sustainable Stewardship
Preservation also means looking after the environment that sustains us all. While climate change is a global challenge, its impact is felt most acutely at a local level. As part of the South Hams community, Burgh Island Hotel is committed to playing its role in protecting our natural surroundings. Hosting the Bigbury Net Zero Initiative annually reflects our long-standing dedication to sustainability, which brings together local landowners, councils, and businesses to reduce emissions and protect our coastline. From improving energy and water efficiency to supporting local ecosystems, our approach is grounded in collaboration.
Supporting Local Employment
Perhaps the most direct way a business can make a difference is by providing good, stable jobs. I’m a firm believer in investing in people. In rural areas like the South Hams, employment opportunities are limited, and hospitality often provides the backbone of the local economy. At Burgh Island, we’re the biggest employer in the area, 75 staff year-round, rising to 95 in summer. Staff wellbeing is inextricable from their quality of service. We work to ensure every employee feels valued for their unique contribution, with access to mental health care, professional development, and brand new £1m staff accommodation. With average property prices exceeding £418,000, we converted a care home to house employees.
At Burgh Island, we run training and apprenticeship programmes that help local residents build long-term careers in hospitality. This not only strengthens our team but ensures the skills and talent we nurture stay within the region. When a business grows with its people, the entire community benefits.
Cultural Events and Community Life
Business is also about joy, celebration and belonging. Each year, we host Tom Crocker Day, our annual festival honouring the legendary local pirate who made Burgh Island his base. It’s a lively celebration of maritime heritage that unites residents, visitors, musicians, and producers, with live music, treasure hunts, and local food from South Hams suppliers. The event raises money for The Wave Project, a surf-therapy charity offering courses for young people facing mental health difficulties or social isolation. Events like this are a true reflection of community spirit, businesses supporting causes that matter while bringing people together.
A Shared Commitment
Owning Burgh Island has shown me that running a business in the Southwest means becoming part of its fabric. It’s not about grand gestures, but about consistent, genuine choices that say: we belong here, we value what’s here, and we’re committed to helping it thrive.
If more businesses across the region embrace that mindset, the Southwest will continue to prosper, not only economically, but as a place defined by connection, character and care for its people and environment.
