Sidford business reports tourism boost

A SIDFORD business is bucking the tourism trend along with other Devon traders, it has been revealed.  In the run up to the half-term holiday, Visit Devon, a company which promotes Devon, has conducted a series of interviews across all area of industry an

A SIDFORD business is bucking the tourism trend along with other Devon traders, it has been revealed.

In the run up to the half-term holiday, Visit Devon, a company which promotes Devon, has conducted a series of interviews across all area of industry and its findings are encouraging.

A Visit Devon spokesman said: "Contrary to recent reports, many have experienced an impressive first quarter despite the economic downturn.

"The overall feeling is that holidaymakers are leaving it later to book but the industry is still confident it will benefit from the predicted increase in domestic tourism."

This prediction is echoed by Annette Witheridge, owner of the Salty Monk in Sidford.

She said: "Business is good, about equal to last year. Forward booking is down in favour of last-minute booking. Off-the-road business has increased significantly. The doom and gloom predicted by some at the beginning of the year doesn't seem to be materialising so far.