Tourism is not out of season

Good weather has encouraged last-minute bookings

Some hotels in Devon have reported that they are currently so busy they are having to turn visitors away.

The news come as a relief to the South West's tourism industry in the wake of the foot-and-mouth crisis.

With almost £110m of tourism lost from the county's economy because of foot-and-mouth, the recent rise in bookings has been seen as a welcome end to the season.

Many hotels in popular visitor areas such as Torquay, the South Hams and Dartmoor are reporting a last-minute flurry in bookings.

This kind of activity will help to promote our message that Devon is open all the year round.

Derrick Spear
Devon County Council

South West Tourism chairman Cairns Boston said: "We basically shut down our industry by closing the places that our customers come to enjoy.

"It took many weeks to re-open them and to get the message across that they were open. During that time much harm was done to the industry."

The terrorist attacks in the United States also had a damaging impact on the tourism industry.

Many American tourists cancelled holidays in the region, saying they fear flying after passenger planes were hijacked by the terrorists.

But it is thought the recent good weather has played its part in encouraging many families to travel to the West Country again.

Enticing visitors

Several advertising campaigns were also launched to entice visitors to return.

Events such as the Two Moors Music Festival have also been mentioned as examples of "out of season" tourism needed to give the local economy a boost in the wake of foot-and-mouth.

Councillor Derrick Spear of Devon County Council's economic regeneration committee said: "This kind of activity will help to promote our message that 'Devon is open all year round'."

Tourist officials say the current round of booking also bodes well for the Spring.