Sell out summer says Devon Hotels Association

Devon Hotels & Restaurants Association has reported a substantial rise in bookings this summer, with many members seeing record numbers of visitors throughout the holidays and sell out July and August months.

James Sharp, chair of Devon Hotels said: “We have seen an increase in overseas visitors but one of the main growth areas has been holidaymakers choosing to ‘staycation’ in Devon due to the fantastic weather we have been experiencing.  This has been the third hottest summer on record which has helped businesses after a series of bad summers.  One member has seen an 8.6% rise in overall bookings in comparison to last summer, with a 6% rise in July alone.

James continued: “The Bank Holiday weekend saw thousands come to bask in the glorious sunshine with many members and visitor attractions seeing record numbers.  With the summer holidays ending, there is still late summer availability for people to come and enjoy everything Devon has to offer.”

Adam Fox-Edwards from Arundell Arms Hotel and Restaurant near Lifton said: “We have had an increase in both staycationers and foreign visitors and have been much busier than previous years.  We have been full for much of June and July but are seeing the late summer season continue to be popular which is fantastic, especially after the recent rainy summers.”

Jemma Mitchell from Rendezvous Wine Bar in Southernhay, Exeter echoed this, saying: “We have had a lot more staycationing customers and it has certainly been busier than last summer with lots of people enjoying our garden due to the better weather.”

Devon Hotels represents some of the finest hotels and restaurants in the Heart of Devon region and showcases the best that Devon has to offer, helping to encourage and sustain tourism in the region.  It supports Devon’s artisan food producers, local suppliers and food industries such as fishing and farming and covers areas including Exeter, Dartmoor, East Devon, South Hams, Torbay and North Devon.