Bank holiday 'hugely important' for tourism

The South West Business Council said a busy August Bank Holiday was a chance for tourism businesses to put some "cash in the bank"

The August Bank Holiday is the "last big pay day before Christmas" for tourism businesses, according to a regional industry expert.

Tim Jones, chairman of the South West Business Council, said it was a chance to put "some decent cash in the bank".

It follows reports visitor numbers in Devon and Cornwall are already 10% to 15% down on last year.

Mr Jones said the bank holiday was "hugely important", adding "if we get a decent weather window" it could be a "big cash generator for businesses who’ve been struggling for the last nine to 12 months".

Visit Devon estimates tourism is worth about £2.5bn to the county’s economy each year

Ian Gregory, who owns the Toy and Model Museum in Sidmouth, said “We’re expecting a lot of families to be down at the seaside.

"We’ve had a reasonable summer but not quite as good as last year so this bank holiday is really important”.

Mr Gregory, who is also vice chair of Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce, added a busy bank holiday would benefit all businesses from “hotels to guesthouses and shops”.

It follows data from Visit England that predicts 11 million people are planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK this weekend, bringing an estimated £3.1bn boost to the economy.

Visit Devon estimates tourism is worth about £2.5bn to the county’s economy each year.

For Cornwall that figure is £2bn, according to Visit Cornwall.