Late surge in summer bookings boosts tourism in Devon

The “staycation” is here to stay in Devon this summer as tourist attractions and accommodation providers are experiencing a late upsurge in bookings according to the voice of tourism in the county, Visit Devon: www.visitdevon.co.uk. Visit Devon says that many hotels, B & B’s, campsites, self-catering accommodation providers and tourist attractions are very upbeat about this summer and some are showing an increase in bookings compared to the same period last year, despite the economic downturn. Although bookings are on the increase for many tourism providers in the county, the trend is also for holidaymakers to book their holidays at the very last minute. The General Manager of Visit Devon, Rosie Bates, says that there are complex reasons for this trend: “Uncertainty about the economic future and the emergency budget led many people to delay making a decision about their holidays this year. The exchange rate with the Euro and Dollar and the problems with air travel have all helped to encourage people to holiday at home. On the positive side the recent good weather has definitely helped attract visitors to make late bookings for holidays in Devon.” The Dartmoor Partnership reports that 57% of tourism businesses in the area have seen an increase in bookings this summer compared to the same period last year, and that 58% of businesses are predicting an increase in business from July to September based on existing bookings compared with the same period last year. Jess Whistance of the Dartmoor Partnership says: “On the whole business is surprisingly good here on Dartmoor, many accommodation businesses are all booked up for the summer, but many are finding people are planning to stay for just one night, rather than longer periods. “The emergency budget did have people playing it safe and hanging on until the last minute but Dartmoor has fared well.” www.dartmoor.co.uk The award winning Woodovis Park camping and caravan site on the edge of Dartmoor (www.woodovis.com) has seen an increase in visitors this summer. It is also experiencing the trend for last minute booking, but occupancy for camping and caravans was up 12% to the end of June compared to the same period last year. Coast and Country Cottages is a major accommodation provider in South Devon which manages more than four hundred self catering properties in the area. It is enjoying a record year for bookings as company director Karen Jones explains: “2010 is another record year for us, after nine successive record years, with like for like bookings currently approximately eight per cent up year on year. In this very competitive market, with special offers and lots of late-deals available to those who have yet to book their holiday, we are working even harder than ever to ensure that those looking for a last-minute holiday choose Devon.” Visit: www.coastandcountry.co.uk . Across Devon many B&B’s and self-catering accommodation providers are enjoying an increasing in bookings, as Suzanne Westgate of West Pitt Farm self catering holiday cottages near Tiverton comments: "We are delighted with increased level of bookings for our holiday cottages for the first half of the year; and this was well before the fine weather started. We are fully booked now until late September and nearly full for October too.” Check out: www.westpittfarm.co.uk . Accommodation providers and tourist attractions which have refurbished and updated their businesses are doing particularly well this summer: The Mariners B & B at Seaton in East Devon reports “90% occupancy throughout July” and has been referring some customers to nearby B & B’s. Pat Booth, who manages the Mariners, believes that holidaymakers are much more discerning about what they want; “Customers are very concerned about quality and they are more aware of grading. We now have VB Silver and Breakfast Award and AA Highly Commended. “At the start of the recession we decided to be the best we could be and to still invest .It has paid off so far.” See: www.marinershotelseaton.co.uk . Likewise, at the Hedgehog Corner B&B near Axminister where there has been 90-99% occupancy during the peak summer months, manager Joy Raymond says that “more visitors are opting for shorter breaks, but they expect higher standards and better value for money.” Visit: www.hedgehogcorner.co.uk . Major tourist attractions in Devon are also enjoying an increase in visitor numbers, Crealy Great Adventure Park near Exeter reports a 19% increase in visitors for May and June .The arrival of the new watercoaster Vortex ride at Crealy has helped boost numbers. See: www.crealy.co.uk. Visitor numbers at Escot Park have increase by more than 25% for the third year running and their summer camps have been oversubscribed. Check out: www.escot-devon.co.uk. About Visit Devon Visit Devon is the destination management organisation responsible for promoting Devon to the world. The organisation acts as a voice for tourism in Devon and its aim is simple - to increase the number of visitors to Devon by promoting the county as a year-round destination for business or leisure. The organization brings together, adds value to and enhances the work and activities undertaken by the six Area Tourism Partnerships across the county. Visit Devon is committed to growing the tourism sector sustainably, increasing the skills within the industry, and raising the quality of the visitor experience. Visit Devon is a public-private partnership limited by guarantee. The not for profit company comprises of nine member organizations including the six Area Tourism Partnerships (Exeter and Essential Devon, Visit Plymouth, North Devon+, The Dartmoor Partnership, The English Riviera Tourist Board, and Visit South Devon) Devon County Council, The Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (Data), and Devon Farms. Visit Devon is the trading name of Destination Devon Ltd.

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