New Partnership Means Bright Future For South Devon Tourism
Released on: July 30, 2008, 8:03 am
Press Release Author: E-Strategy
Industry: Marketing
Press Release Summary: The future\'s bright for tourism in South Devon as work gets underway on a brand new partnership designed to drive up the quality of Devon holidays and make the region a must-visit tourist destination.
Press Release Body: The future\'s bright for tourism in South Devon as work gets underway on a brand new partnership designed to drive up the quality of Devon holidays and make the region a must-visit tourist destination.
The South Devon Area Tourism Partnership (SDATP) will take over the role of marketing South Devon as a holiday destination and will be led by the private sector and supported by public sector partners Teignbridge District Council and South Hams District Council.
The SDATP will enable members of the tourism industry to work more closely together, sharing important skills, experience and resources with the aim of making South Devon a year-round quality and thriving holiday destination.
The SDATP is due to launch officially in April 2009, and to help achieve this aim the SDATP steering group, chaired by John Stainton, Managing Director of Dartington Trading, has appointed local tourism consultancy Close Focus to project manage the launch. Over the next three months Close Focus, led by its director Carolyn Custerson, will be contacting all Devon holiday and tourism businesses to get their views on what they\'d like from the new partnership and how it can help their own marketing and development.
John Stainton, Chairman of the South Devon Area Tourism Partnership Steering Group said:
\"Carolyn has a wealth of experience in tourism marketing, considerable knowledge and insight into South Devon and we are delighted to have her expertise on board.
\"She wants to consult with as many of the 1400 tourism related businesses in the area as possible. Our objective is to create an effective, dynamic organisation which will help South Devon build on its heritage as a quality tourism destination and to meet its potential for the future.\"
Over the next three months local businesses will be invited to take part in the consultation process, helping to shape the partnership and the future of tourism in South Devon.
Carolyn Custerson, Director of Close Focus said:
\"In the next twelve weeks I will be talking to as many people as possible to get a clear view on what the Devon holiday providers, attractions, accommodation providers, restaurants, transport operators, retail outlets and any other tourism businesses need from the new SDATP. This is very much a partnership and I look forward to it succeeding through our working together.\"
The partnership has also been welcomed by Teignbridge and South Hams District Councils, which will continue to manage many South Devon resorts and will be closely involved in the process.
Cllr David Corney-Walker, Teignbridge Executive Spokesperson for Economic Development and Tourism said:
\"The Area Tourism Partnership will enable the private sector to be far more involved in the promotion of the region, and be instrumental in ensuring a positive future for holidays and tourism in South Devon.
\"The SDATP is designed to promote the region and encourage more visitors to experience the beauty, vitality and excitement of holidays in South Devon. It is important to note though that local authorities will remain key players in all decision-making, and will continue to manage local resorts.
\"The preparation of the SDATP marks a new landmark in the development of South Devon\'s tourism industry, and I would urge any tourism-related business to take part in the consultation, sign up to the SDATP and enjoy the benefits that this partnership will bring.\"
Cllr Bryan Carson, South Hams Executive Member for Distinct Environment Said:
\"We\'ve enjoyed much success working with Teignbridge to promote holidays in South Devon and produce our incredibly popular South Devon Holiday Guide and visitor website. The SDATP will build on this existing relationship and involve the most important tourism partners we have - local businesses.
\"With the private sector taking the lead as the project moves forward, local businesses will really be able to take on ownership and responsibility for the South Devon holiday brand, joining forces with each other and with us to make South Devon one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country.\"
Web Site: http://www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk/site/news/new-south-devon-area-tourism-partnership
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