Media Release
For immediate release
Friday 2 May 2014
Largest Guide to Exeter Published
Tourism Councillor stresses growing importance of the sector to the city
The largest ever guide to Exeter is published today offering tourists an array of places to
visit and stay in what is fast becoming one of the region’s top city break destinations.
Latest figures confirm that in total almost £187m was spent by visitors whilst on holiday
in the city (2012).
Spend by UK holidaymakers staying overnight in Exeter increased from £66m to £80m
and for overseas visitors from £30.2m to £38.7m (between 2011 and 2012). In just four
years, spend by overseas visitors in Exeter has almost doubled, from £20.9m in 2009 to
£38.7m in 2012.
As the 44-page guide makes clear, the city break destination continues to expand its
offering to visitors, from boutique hotels like Magdalen Chapter, Queen’s Court Hotel
and Southernhay House, to cool independent eateries and bars like Harry’s Grill Bar,
Ruby’s Diner, Bar Rendezvous, Oddfellows and the Fat Pig.
Towns and cities across the South West and beyond are being targeted by the Heart of
Devon Tourism Partnership, to make sure people are aware of what Exeter has to offer
as a destination.
Cllr Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council Lead Councillor for Economy and Culture said:
“Tourism is a vital component of the economy of Exeter. The weather at the start of the
year was a setback but there is cautious optimism out there for 2014 - though of course
we face fierce competition from other destinations.
“That’s why it is so important to promote Exeter and make sure people know what we
bring to the table, just how easy it is to get here and get about, and how there really is
something for all budgets and interests. It’s a highly competitive market, but with the
Rugby World Cup in Exeter next year, now is the time to show how Exeter provides
great value, excellent customer service and a quality experience for all its visitors.”
Close to 5,000 jobs in the city are attributed to tourism spend in the city, with Derek
Philips, Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership and Exeter Chamber of Commerce
chairman, in no doubt as to its importance to the local economy.
He said: “Exeter is on the up. It’s a vibrant cultural city with so much to offer and set in
the most beautiful countryside in the Heart of Devon – the perfect city break destination.
Our part of the world is so distinctive, so special, we have to make sure people making
choices about where to go and what to do, know just what a great place Exeter is.
“The schedule of renowned festivals, cultural events, attractions for families, fantastic
shopping and more cafes and restaurants then ever before, amount to what I believe is
a brilliant offering to rival any city of comparable size anywhere in the country. All the
partnership members are working hard to ensure we provide great value and a quality
experience for visitors in 2014.”
Available online at www.visitexeter.com, the guide includes:
 48 hours in Exeter schedule
 2014 Year of the Bike details
 Culture, family activities, sport and leisure
 Attractions, tours and trails
 Wildlife and green spaces
 Shopping and eating guide
 Money-saving vouchers
 Accommodation guide
 What’s on calendar 2014
Exeter City Break Fact-file (for 2012)
• 445,000 overnight trips taken, £119.5m spent
• 1,818,000 day trips, £66.9m spent
• UK tourists spent:
£30m on accommodation
£9.7m on shopping
£18.2m on food and drink
• Overseas tourists spent:
£12.4m on accommodation
£10.9m on shopping
£7m on food and drink.
The guide is available from a range of locations across the South West and can be
downloaded at http://bit.ly/QCw8Jt
ENDS
For more information and to arrange interviews, access other photos, please contact
Dan Pritchard, at Astley Media, on 01392 267390 or 07730 363728.
Notes for editors
Heart of Devon is the area tourism partnership promoting East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon and
parts of Teignbridge to regional and national audiences.
The main aim of the company is to increase the number of day visits, short breaks, longer
holidays and business trips to the Heart of Devon for the benefit of the local tourism economy.
Heart of Devon works with Visit Devon, the Destination Management Organisation for Devon, in
the promotion of Heart of Devon.
Heart of Devon is run and guided by a Board of Directors, which includes 6 non-elected and 5
elected board directors, it is a private-public company limited by guarantee and not for profit.
Heart of Devon is a membership organisation and income received goes 100% into marketing
activity – ensuring all revenue is put back into marketing initiatives to promote Heart of Devon.
Other funding sources are through advertising income and a local authority grant.