A SURVEY carried out among Devon farms involved in the tourist trade has revealed just how last year?s foot and mouth crisis affected businesses.
Sixty six members of the Devon Farms Accommodation organisation took part in the occupancy survey. It revealed that from March to August, the average occupancy rate fell on previous years? figures, ranging from six per cent in March 2001 to 75% in August 2001, compared with 22% and 80% respectively in 2000.
But as South West Tourism?s big marketing campaign began to take effect, the occupancy rate for September, October and November actually increased on the previous year, giving financial relief for many farms.
Worst hit were bookings from overseas, with bed and breakfast stays showing a reduction of a third on the previous year. The Germans were the most common visitors, followed by
Australians and Americans.
Surprisingly, the most common length of stays at farmhouse bed and breakfast establishments actually increased from three nights to four, while short self-catering breaks increased to 38% of all bookings from just 13% in 2000.
The survey revealed that 34% of farms cancelled or postponed planned improvements to their accommodation as a result of the foot and mouth crisis.
Some 40% said the crisis changed the way they farmed, generally in reduction of stock numbers ? 32% reported that neighbouring farms also changed their farming policies.
The survey found that 59% of farms applied for business support grants, 87% of which were successful.
But more than 40% of potential claimants were put off by the forms, resulting in at least eight farms not pursuing a claim.