THE Dartmoor Partnership, the official tourism organisation for Dartmoor, this week said there had been a huge increase in visitor numbers over the last few months compared with last year.

The group says there is greater interest in what Dartmoor has to offer than ever before and accommodation is being booked up quickly.

Will Allan, spokesman for Dartmoor Partnership, said: 'We want to get the message across to the rest of the UK that Dartmoor is worth a look; you are cutting down on the carbon footprint by holidaying at home, there is a huge amount to do and see; you can stay in a bunkhouse or a castle, relax in a spa or get muddy in the outdoors; whatever your budget, there is something for you on Dartmoor — and you will struggle to find anywhere more breathtaking in any weather.'

The Dartmoor Partnership has been promoting tourism on Dartmoor — previously as the Dartmoor Tourist Association — for more than 30 years.

Together with its partners the Duchy of Cornwall, West Devon Borough Council and Dartmoor National Park Authority, the Partnership has been able to raise the profile of Dartmoor. With a new manager, a new website and a new direction, the Partnership has seen tourism taking off in times of hardship, when once it would have suffered.

Mr Allan said: 'It is clear that this new forward thinking of tourism on Dartmoor has paid off.'