Visitor numbers fall – but tourist spending rises

THE number of people visiting tourist hotspots in the South Hams is dropping, but those who are coming are spending a lot more money.

- GUY HENDERSON Local Democracy Reporter

New research commissioned by South Hams Council reveals that tourism is worth a staggering £266 million a year to the district, which includes places like Salcombe and Dartmouth.

The figures are contained in a report to the council's executive committee by the South West Research Company which highlights tourism as a 'key contributor' to the local economy.

It says the tourism sector accounts for one in 10 jobs in the district, with almost 4,500 people working in the industry. It goes on: "The headline data shows a slight decrease in visitor numbers since 2005, but a significant increase in overall visitor spend over the same period."