THE South West Coast Path has been celebrated as a vital link between south west businesses at the Nare Hotel in Cornwall.

The event highlighted the excellent revenue the path has generated for the tourism sector and also launched the South West Coast Path Association’s 2014 fundraising event – the Great South West Walks.

It was announced at the event that during 2012 the Coast Path had 8.6million users across the South West, which generated around £436m to the area, an increase of almost 15 per cent in the past three years That has helped support 9,771 full-time equivalent jobs and it also plays a key element in tourism in the South West.

Ken Carter, chairman of the Great South West Walks, said he was delighted with the support that the launch event received and highlighted how important it is to continue working together.

Mr Carter said: “Everyone has their own reasons for loving the South West Coast Path – it really brings tourism business together in the south west.”