The main role of the Association is to:

• Promote the Tarka theme
• Integrate environmental principles within the tourism industry
• Raise visitor awareness of sustainability issues

Membership:
All Association members sign a 'Green Charter' committing them to aiming towards environmental good practice. The Association is probably unique in the country in having this aspect built into its constitution from the beginning. The Association's membership currently stands at approximately 150 (Feb 1997), supporting some 750 jobs. The membership reflects a wide range of tourism interests including accommodation providers, attractions, pubs, shops, transport operators, and local producers.
A non-voting associate member category was added in 1996 to include trade associations, parish councils, chambers of commerce and others who, because of their collective nature, could not sign the 'Green Charter' on behalf of all their members, but nevertheless wanted to show their support for the Association.

Finance & Funding:
There was no direct funding of the Association in the early years of its development, but the Tarka Project funded many activities, often in partnership with others, on the Association's behalf. Membership fees were kept deliberately low to begin with in acknowledgement of the small scale of many of the operators and to encourage support.

The Association had no paid officers until October 1995. Work was achieved in the first three years with a voluntary secretary and Chairman, with the additional help of volunteers from the membership and the Tarka Project Officer. Funding was obtained from the Rural Development Commission in 1995 to support a Development Plan. A paid part-time Development Officer post was created in October 1995 to take the plan forward, along with a paid full-time secretarial post.

Development Plan 1995 - 1997:
A three year Development Plan for the Association was formulated by the Tarka Project to:

• increase the self funding capacity of the TCTA
• market and promote the area as a sustainable tourism destination
• increase membership
• increase business opportunities generating income and employment for the area
• increase the number of jobs supported through the TCTA membership
• provide 'green' business training and support
• provide a tourism information service
• to develop the Tarka Country Local Producers group to increase their marketing and networking capabilities

A Rural Development Commission grant was obtained worth £37,500 over three years. Matched funding is provided by Devon County Council (through Tarka Project), North Devon District Council (through North Devon Marketing Bureau), Torridge District Council (year 1) and TCTA income. Extra funding came through European 5b funding for one year (Aug 1995 - July 96) for a holistic 'Tarka' package benefiting both the Project and Tourism Association.

Issues:

• Voluntary codes such as the 'Green Charter' can not be policed
• The activities of the Association depend considerably on voluntary input from the members.
• The challenge of making the Association self funding demands that all initiativesand actvities must be economically as well as environmentally sustainable.

TARKA COUNTRY TOURISM ASSOCIATION
STRUCTURE (FROM OCTOBER 1995)