TOURISM in Mid-Devon has been given a boost thanks to a cash injection from the Phoenix Development Fund for Rural Renewal, which has allowed the Devonshire Heartland Tourism Association to create a new post.
The DHTA serves the needs of all business involved in tourism in Mid Devon, and covers an area from Okehampton, Chagford and Winkleigh to Tiverton and beyond.
The association has just appointed a new membership officer, Deborah Radburn. Mrs Radburn is new to the area, and brings with her a Masters Degree in tourism marketing and extensive business experience. She will be working in a consultancy role for the association.
The new post of membership officer will not only provide better services and a point of contact for all current members but will also seek to increase membership in order for the DHTA to command a stronger voice in regional and local tourism policy making.
Mrs Radburn said: ?Tourism last year brought £97-million into the Mid Devon area and is a substantial contributor to the health of the local economy.
?Even shops and services that would not consider themselves to be a typical tourism enterprise, constantly benefit from visitor expenditure in the area throughout the year.?
Currently the DHTA is working closely with Mid Devon District Council and local and regional partners on the new Heart of Devon initiative. The Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership focuses on promoting the central part of Devon to visitors regionally, nationally and worldwide. It will be launching its own promotional website and publishing the Heart of Devon Official Visitor Guide 2005 this autumn.
Any organisations or individuals interested in joining the DHTA should contact Deborah on 01884 259031 or email: [email protected]">[email protected]