Tourist industry bounces back

Devon enjoyed a 5.7% increase in tourist nights last year

The tourist industry in Devon has made a good recovery from the foot and mouth crisis, according to new figures.

In 2002, holidaymakers paid for more than 33 million bed-nights in the county, an increase of nearly two million on the previous year.

Mid Devon boasted the best results with an increase in bed-nights of 20.6%, with West Devon on 17.6, North Devon (including Torridge) 9.5% and Teignbridge 9.1%.

The results come from a tourism survey carried out by Devon County Council.

Increase in tourist nights in Devon in 2002 compared to 2001

Mid Devon 20.6%

West Devon 17.6%

Torridge 14.5%

Teignbridge 9.1%

North Devon 8.2%

East Devon 4.3%

South Hams 3%

Torbay 2%

Exeter 1.7%

Plymouth 1.5%

It shows the tourist industry has not only recovered the losses of 2001, but also regained business levels lost in 2000, which was the wettest year on record.

Torridge, when separated from the North Devon figures, enjoyed its best year ever with an increase of 14.5% on 2001 and an overall total of 1.7 million nights.

North Devon Marketing Bureau chief executive Nigel Smith said the recovery was remarkable.

"It is very welcome news, especially at a time when other industries in the North Devon area are struggling with lay-offs and closure.

"Tourism has, once again, shown its resilience and is still very much the backbone to North Devon's economy."