A survey has revealed that 55 million leisure trips were made to the Chilterns last year, resulting in £471.6million being spent in the economy.
The 2007 Chilterns Visitor Survey provides a picture of the people that spend time within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The largest proportion of leisure visits to the Chilterns was made up of nearby residents living within the AO
NB or in adjoining towns.
A total of 32 per cent of people questioned came from Bucks, 18 per cent from Herts and 18 per cent were from Beds.
Walking remains the most popular activity - enjoyed by two thirds of visitors.
When asked what they had most liked about their visit, more than half mentioned the scenery. But asked if anything had spoilt it, the most common complaints were dog fouling, lack of dog poo bins and litter.
Businesses in the Chilterns benefit from people on leisure trips, with an average visitor spending £8.54 a day.
Annette Venters, access officer at the Chilterns Conservation Board, said: "The results from the survey prove just how popular the Chilterns countryside is.
"We encourage activities like walking and cycling which have little impact on the countryside and help support local businesses like pubs."
The 2007 survey was carried out by Tourism South East and was funded by the Chilterns Conservation Board, Natural England, The National Trust and Bucks, Oxon, Herts and Beds County Councils.
See the full results by visiting
www.chilternsaonb.org and click on the publications page or call 01844 355500.
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