Lessons from around the UK show that offshore wind farms can create new visitor experiences, support local investment, and strengthen sustainable tourism.
Research from the UK and elsewhere shows that building offshore wind farms generally does not have a significant effect on tourism numbers or spending.
Studies of coastal areas near existing offshore wind farms in the UK have found no evidence that wind farm construction leads to fewer tourists overall, lower visitor spending, or losses in tourism-related jobs.
A concern about the proposed Mooir Vannin Offshore Wind is that its proximity to the Isle of Man may deter visitors because of the visual impact of the offshore wind farm.
However, multiple studies have found that while some people may be put off by a wind farm, other visitors may come to the island precisely because of it.
A 2022 report called “UK Offshore Wind Farms and Local Seaside Tourism Economies” found no evidence that the construction or operation of large offshore wind farms caused declines in tourism employment in nearby seaside towns.
The study of six seaside towns within 30 km of UK offshore wind farms looked at tourism-sector employment before, during and after construction of the wind farms. In virtually all case studies, tourism employment either remained stable or increased during and after the construction of offshore wind farms.
Offshore wind farms can become their own tourist attractions, generating curiosity about renewable energy and how it is generated at sea.
Potential opportunities include:
The Rampion offshore wind farm near Brighton shows how offshore wind can become part of a destination's tourism and sustainability story.
In 2024, the Rampion Visitor Centre welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, including 171 school groups. Located in one of the UK's most popular seaside destinations, the centre helps showcase Brighton's reputation as a forward-looking, environmentally conscious city.
The wind farm has helped create additional visitor experiences, including:
Rather than replacing existing attractions, the wind farm has become an additional feature within Brighton's wider tourism offer.
The Gwynt y Môr and Awel y Môr offshore wind farms in North Wales shows how renewable energy projects can support local communities and tourism alongside energy generation.
During construction, a £690,000 tourism fund supported projects designed to maintain and improve the visitor experience. This included initiatives such as the Green Links Cycle Trail, which enhanced cycling and visitor infrastructure in areas affected by construction activity.
In addition, a £19 million Community Benefit Fund was created to support projects across North Wales throughout the wind farms approximately 25- year life span.
This funding has led to community projects that support local residents and visitors like improved public spaces and opportunities for local people to learn about renewable energy through school visits and educational programmes, community information events, as well as skills training, apprenticeships and career pathways in the energy sector.
The North Wales experience suggests that offshore wind projects can deliver much more than electrons. They can deliver investment in tourism infrastructure, community facilities, education and local skills development.
