Tourism, built on the beauty and tranquillity of the local landscape, on traditional country sports and on the tradition of farm holidays, is a significant source of income in the Plan area. There is potential for further development of heritage tourism and activity holidays, and the provision of a varied range of recreational facilities for local people.
The SPORT AND COUNTRY PARK PROJECT seeks to provide such facilities at a site close to Tiverton. It intends to build a wide range of facilities in phases, each phase constituting a project. There are opportunities
within both the EXE VALLEY FOREST PROJECT and SOUTH WEST FORESTS PROJECT to develop woodland trails and walks for the disabled. The EXE VALLEY CYCLE PATH PROJECT will provide an attractive cycle route for tourists as well as providing local people with better opportunities for green travel.
The VISITOR CENTRE PROJECT on the Grand Western Canal will enhance the quality of visits to the Country
Park. The canal and rivers provide opportunities for canoeing at beginners and advanced levels. Overall, the facilities for watersports in Devon are undersupplied.
11.1 The economics of tourism in the Exe Valley The following statistics are from Mid Devon Briefing 2003.
11.1.1 Key tourism facts Key tourism facts
11.1.2 Trips, nights and spend by accommodation type A high proportion of visitors to the area, both domestic and overseas, stay with friends or relatives. Spending by domestic visitors in this category is
Trips, nights and spend by domestic visitors
Trips, nights and spend by overseas visitors
approximately one third of total domestic visitor spend, while spending by overseas visitors in this category is twice the total of the other categories of overseas visitors. Most visitors are from the UK. There is scope for expanding accommodation provided that the area is well marketed. There are over 25 public houses and 13 hotels. There are 1510 serviced bedspaces, 610 flats and houses, 240 holiday park units and 1430 touring pitches.There are no figures for group visits. It may be possible to provide group facilities in one of the development phases of the SPORT AND COUNTRY PARK. Much here will depend on the nature of the site acquired.
Trips, nights and spend by purpose
(domestic visitors)
There are significant number of second homes in the area belonging to both UK owners and overseas owners. These are not yet an overwhelming problem for social cohesion of the small communities in the area, but they do have an impact in some of the most attractive villages.
11.1.3 Trips, nights and spend by purpose The total holiday spend is around £28,000,000. Most tourists stay in serviced accommodation. This includes farmhouse accommodation and country pubs, and is a significant source of income for these groups.
Trips, nights and spend by purpose
(overseas visitors)
The Exe Valley Plan -
