Welcome to the Exmoor Tourism Update. This is produced bi-monthly by Exmoor National Park to keep tourism providers updated with the latest news to support the development of sustainable tourism on Exmoor.

We have redesigned the newsletter to make it responsive and easier for those of you that read it on mobiles and tablets.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Dan James
Sustainable Economy Manager
@DanJamesENPA on Twitter
Exmoor Tourism Developments and Opportunities

Exmoor Tourism is continuing to develop as a new organisation following the merger of the old Tourist Association with the Exmoor Tourism Partnership earlier this year. With support from the National Park, West Somerset Council and Hinkley Tourism Action Partnership Exmoor Tourism is currently recruiting for 3 pieces of work:
  • A part time Development Manager to support the committee in transforming the organisation and building on the positive work achieved to date to further support tourism in the area.
  • A creative marketing campaign to attract new overnight domestic visits in the shoulder seasons
  • A PR and Social Media campaign supporting the wider work of Exmoor Tourism in attracting visitors to the area.
Read more in the Press Release (PDF)

View the detailed contract opportunities
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Grant funding opportunities for tourism

Two new opportunities for grant funding are currently available to support the development of tourism to bring economic growth, with a focus on capital investments.

The LEADER programmes in North Devon and Western Somerset will support rural tourism projects with funding of �2,500 to �35,000 (up to 40% of overall costs for commercial initiatives).

Funding from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development is available for small scale rural tourism infrastructure investments that support the development of visitor attractions, tourist information and small scale tourism infrastructure with grants of between �35,000 and approx. �140,000 (€200,000) within Devon and Somerset. This fund is open only to businesses and social enterprises (new or existing).

 Western Somerset LEADER

North Devon & Torridge LEADER

Small Scale Tourism infrastructure
Exmoor Tourism Network

Exmoor National Park recently hosted the first Exmoor Tourism Network meeting. This is intended to be a bi-annual forum open to representatives of the local and thematic tourism groups in the area, alongside neighbouring destinations allowing wider range of people to debate the issues affecting the area and work to develop tourism. It is run by Exmoor Tourism and acts as the forum required as part of the National Parks requirements for maintaining the European Charter for Sustainable tourism.

Presentations included progress made since Exmoor Tourism was formed in March 2015 and a clear explanation of the benefits of joining Exmoor Tourism and of sharing best practice.  Delegates saw statistics on the Visit Exmoor website which has attracted vastly increased numbers in 2015 and heard about the new Trade Website.  Dan James from Exmoor National Park was able to share up-to-date survey information on the profile of visitors and levels of satisfaction whilst Robert Downes representing West Somerset Council and the Hinkley Tourism Action Partnership explained Exmoor Tourism's valuable role in the HTAP and what benefits could accrue to tourist businesses from the links. 
 View the presentations shared on the day
Superfast broadband - final community meeting

The sixth and final community meeting on Exmoor providing an update on the roll out of superfast broadband over the coming 12 months to an estimated 96% of premises within the National Park takes place  TOMORROW, Thursday 10 December, at Lynton Town Hall from 7pm. All welcome to find out more and ask questions with representatives from Connecting Devon and Somerset, Exmoor National Park and Airband.
South West Tourism Growth Fund

Exmoor National Park has been working closely with local partners such as West Somerset Council and Exmoor Tourism, alongside other destinations in the South West as part of the South West Tourism Growth fund.

Exmoor is one of a number of destinations working with VisitEngland on this programme of activity to promote South West England overseas. This activity is supported by VisitBritain, and brings together partner destinations from across the region. The �5m South West Tourism Growth Fund is a central government funded programme of activity, supported by match funding by partners in the public and private sectors.
 
Programme partners have agreed to target markets in the US, Australia and New Zealand, Ireland, Netherlands and Belgium, Germany and German speaking markets and Scandinavia. Marketing activities will include standalone brand campaigns to raise awareness of the South West of England, tactical partnership campaigns to encourage consumer activity, travel trade work to raise awareness in addition to specialist work promoting business visits and tourism opportunities associated with international students studying in England. 

 Find out more!
Porlock Marsh Tidal Timelapse

As part of the Porlock Marsh Project a new time-lapse video has been produced demonstrating the beauty of the area and the dynamic nature of the marsh created by some of the highest tides in the world.
The Porlock Marsh Project is a partnership of various interests including the Parish Council, National Park, Natural England, the National Trust  and  Porlock Manor Estate. Funding from the National Park Partnership Fund with contributions from a range of other sources  is now being used to implement a joint vision to improve the Marsh in terms of access, interpretation and conservation.

 Visit the Exmoor National Park You Tube channel for more!
Park Partner scheme

Welcome to Channel Training and Adventures, our newest National Park Partner. The National Park Partner schemes aims to recognise and reward those organisations that are working with the National Park at the heart of all they do. Any organisation / business can apply and successful applicants will have demonstrated a commitment to the following 5 areas:
  • Supporting a thriving living landscape
  • Connecting People and Place
  • Working towards a sustainable future
  • Working together for Exmoor
  • Communicating the message
 Find out more about National Park Partners
Improved moorland access to Wheal Eliza

Exmoor National Park Authority has carried out a major repair to the public bridleway between Simonsbath and the Wheal Eliza ruins.This two kilometre level section of path now has a good even surface making it a great choice for those who prefer a gentle stroll. The route is now considered suitable for Trampers or other off-road capable mobility vehicles via a lower route that has been reopened at the start at Simonsbath.
Read the press release for more details
KEY LINKS:
Exmoor National Park Website

Info for tourism providers

Visit Exmoor

Exmoor Tourism trade site
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