Archive

2010

Nov '10

Cream of Devon Food and Drink showcases at the BBC Good Food Show, Stand B30
The cream of Devon’s food and drink producers will be showcasing their talents at the UK’s biggest and most prestigious consumer food show, the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC in Birmingham later this month (24 – 28 November). www.visitdevon.co.uk/taste

Why venison is the true taste of autumn in North Devon as deer numbers increase
North Devon chef Tina Bricknell-Webb from Percy’s is encouraging the British consumer to eat and enjoy more venison this autumn

South Devon Crab …cracks national tourism campaign
South Devon crab is the focus for a major new national food tourism campaign recently launched by the Visit South Devon.

Kirstie weaves her magic and Visit Devon reports bumper interest in winning competition
Visit Devon is delighted with the response to a competition it has recently launched which has seen TV presenter and property guru Kirstie Allsopp join forces with Visit Devon and South West-based self-catering holiday specialist Classic Cottages.

Devon’s leading tourism businesses celebrate being the “best in the west”
Devon’s leading tourism businesses are celebrating after being recognised as being the  “best in the west” after winning Gold at the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2010-2011.

Premier Devon welcome awaits rugby fans as Leeds Rhinos take on the Exeter Chiefs
Leeds Rhinos rugby fans can expect a premier welcome when they visit Devon as their team takes on the Exeter Chiefs on Saturday 20 November.

Runner up in the 2010 British Travel Awards, Devon plans to aim even higher next year!
Runner up in the British Travel Awards, Visit Devon has announced that next year it will be going for the Number One spot!

Oct '10

Visit Devon congratulates Devon finalists in SW Tourism Excellence Awards
Following the success of the first ever Devon Tourism Awards, Visit Devon congratulates those finalists and other Devon businesses featuring in next month’s line up for the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

Enjoy a bit of Homemade heaven thanks to Kirstie and Visit Devon
TV presenter and property guru Kirstie Allsopp is joining forces with Visit Devon as part of a unique competition to win a week’s holiday at her homemade Devon cottage Meadowgate in North Devon.

 Why venison is the true taste of autumn in North Devon as deer numbers increase
North Devon chef Tina Bricknell-Webb is encouraging the British consumer to eat and enjoy more venison this autumn.

Premier Devon welcome awaits rugby fans as London Irish take on the Exeter Chiefs
London Irish rugby fans can expect a premier welcome when they visit Devon as their team takes on the Exeter Chiefs on Saturday 23rd October who have been newly promoted to the rugby Premiership. www.visitdevon.co.uk/rugby

Finalists revealed for the prestigious South West Tourism Excellence Awards 
The Excellence Awards celebrate ‘the best in the South West’ and aim to promote and reward the very best in the tourism industry. 42 outstanding tourism businesses will be presented with prestigious awards on the 15 November 2010 at the Riviera International Conference Centre Torquay, Devon.

October Half Term sees visitors to Devon discovering the weird and wonderful and not just with a Halloween theme!
Devon is a great place to be for families looking for something different this October Half Term and although there is plenty to satisfy fans of Halloween.

Visit Devon working in partnership to safeguard the future of regional tourism strategy Visit Devon is working closely with regional tourism partners to consider the support it can give to the industry following the announcement that the regional tourist board South West Tourism is to close next year.

Go to the races in 5-star style with Visit Devon this autumn
The chance to enjoy one of the most prestigious events in the horse-racing calendar in style is being offered by Visit Devon this autumn.

Sep '10

Devon Tourism Awards winners announced!!
Businesses recognised at inaurural Devon Tourism Awards ceremony
Shortlist for the Devon Tourism Awards 2010 is announced
Devon’s leading tourism businesses have been short-listed for the Devon Tourism Awards which will be presented at a prestigious ceremony at the end of the month.

South Devon restaurant Ode celebrates prestigious national food award
An inspiring South Devon restaurant which champions local produce has won a prestigious national food award in the Good Food Guide.

A feast of Devon food festivals to savour this autumn
A feast of food festivals to savour and enjoy are being staged in Devon this autumn which will delight the senses. There is a bumper crop of events that showcase the outstanding talents of the county’s renowned food producers and chefs. 

Devon Celebration of Food puts Devon on the map as one of UK’s most important foodie regions!
Dedicated foodies will be heading to Devon next month for the Celebration of Food festival which is being launched in the grounds of the beautiful Combe House Hotel, near Honiton.

Aug '10

From a film star goose to surfing winter waves or carols in candle-lit forests - something different for visitors to Devon this Christmas
Christmas and a fat juicy goose are a seasonal combination that visitors to Devon may be expecting served up to them in a county that provides the ultimate package for all the senses.

From Power Boats to the Red Arrows…Visit Devon for a Thrilling August Bank Holiday
Visit Devon this August Bank Holiday for a weekend of high speed thrills with awe inspiring aerobatics from the Red Arrows and the glamour and high octane rush of power boat racing.

Visit Devon welcomes Prime Minister’s call to back UK tourism industry
Visit Devon has welcomed the Prime Minister David Cameron’s call for more to be done to market Britain as a destination for foreign visitors as well as those at home.

Dressed crab….how a famous Aussie chef made the Shaldon Water Festival the best ever!
Dressed crab with an Australian twist was very much on the menu this year for the highly successful Shaldon Water Festival in South Devon at the weekend.

Statement on water quality on South Devon beaches from Visit South Devon
Visitors to South Devon can be reassured that beaches in the area have consistently maintained excellent water quality standards for many years.

Devon food producers eagerly await outcome of 2010 Great Taste Awards
When the top prize winners of the 2010 Great Taste Awards are announced in London on 6 September several Devon based businesses will be hoping they will “bring home the bacon” although in their case it is more likely to be cheese, cream or chilli chocolate!

No wonder they “love the flavour” at Devon guest house!
A Devon guest house in Torquay has become the first accommodation business in Torbay to be approved as a member of Food & Drink Devon. 
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Jul '10

“Lets get cracking” for the 50th annual Shaldon Water Festival
Hundreds of crabs, renowned chefs, budding artists and a flotilla of decorated boats will all be heading for the picturesque regency town of Shaldon, near Teignmouth in South Devon next weekend (7 August) for the fiftieth anniversary of the town’s annual water festival.

Visit South Devon: The UK tourist hotspot for 2010
Visit South Devon this summer and you could be part of a major new tourism trend which has made the area a must see hotspot for 2010!

Late surge in summer bookings boosts tourism in Devon 
The “staycation” is here to stay in Devon this summer as tourist attractions and accommodation providers are experiencing a late upsurge in bookings according to the voice of tourism in the county, Visit Devon: www.visitdevon.co.uk.

Kids Get Creative at Torre Abbey
Youngsters looking for something creative, fun and free to enjoy over the holidays are being encouraged to visit Torre Abbey in Torquay over the next two weeks for workshops inspired by Damien Hirst exhibition.

Visit South Devon quashes rumours about Red Arrows ban at this year’s Dartmouth Royal Regatta
Visitors to Dartmouth Royal Regatta beginning in glorious South Devon on 26 August will see the Red Arrows mounting a spectacular display scheduled for 27 August, contrary to recent rumours and reports in the local and national press suggesting that the display had been banned this year.

Jun '10

Visit Devon where opera really gets the seal of approval
Visit Devon this summer and you will find that opera is making a splash in the most unexpected places including with the seals off the North Devon coast.

Visit Devon for Free Family fun this Summer!
With budgets being squeezed ever tighter, the long Summer holidays can be a trying and expensive time for parents striving to keep their youngsters entertained without straining the family finances even further. 

Visit Devon and enjoy the pick of the autumn crop!
Visit Devon this Autumn and indulge all your five senses with a season bursting with exciting festivals and events that will please the eye, stimulate the mind, soothe the soul and delight the taste buds.

Large helpings of Devon food served up in two new foodie books!
Two new “foodie” books just published demonstrate why Devon is fast becoming known as one of the best food regions in the UK.

South Devon Crab …cracks national tourism campaign
South Devon crab is the focus for a major new national food tourism campaign recently launched by the Visit South Devon tourism partnership and the celebrity seafood chef and award-winning restaurateur Mitch Tonks. 

May '10

Devon businesses get the chance to shine at the new Devon Tourism Awards 2010
Devon’s leading tourism businesses are being invited to take part in the new Devon Tourism Awards 2010 which are being launched by Visit Devon this week.

Visit Devon congratulates Exeter Chiefs on promotion to the Premiership which will give huge boost to off peak tourism
As Exeter Chiefs make history by becoming the first South West team to make it into top flight rugby after their victory against Bristol at the Memorial Stadium, Visit Devon congratulates the team whose victory gives the region a fantastic opportunity to showcase Devon to clubs and supporters in the Premiership.

Escape World Cup Fever…with the girls when you Visit Devon
As a nation prepares for the world cup, not everyone in the UK is excited by the prospect of 63 football matches in a month on TV. For those wishing to escape world cup fever, Visit Devon can offer some exciting alternatives

Visit Devon supports campaign for Devon cream teas to get EU protected status 
Devon has long been synonymous with the cream tea and now an enterprising Devon farm has launched a campaign to get European protection for the name “Devon cream tea”.

Thrill seekers head to Devon for the half term ride of their lives!
From challenging water coasters and giant kites to wild walks and time travel Tudor style, Devon has everything for the active and fun seeking family this Whitsun spring half term.

90,000 reasons why you should Visit Devon and the County Show
With more than ninety thousand visitors expected at the annual Devon County Show (20 - 22 May), Visit Devon situated in the Devon County Council marquee, will be getting the inside track on the county’s favourite hot spots!

Combe House Devon selected for Alastair Sawday’s new guide ‘Eat Slow Britain’ 
Combe House Hotel has been chosen to appear in Alastair Sawday’s new guide, Eat Slow Britain as a champion of local and seasonal produce. 

Apr '10

England’s best large hotel….Devon wins top tourism award 
Visit Devon congratulates the Thurlestone Hotel in South Devon which has won the national accolade of being England’s best large hotel

Devon gets the “R factor” for May Bank Holiday
With apologies to Simon Cowell, Devon will be bracing itself for the “R” factor this May Bank holiday weekend 

Uncertainty about holidays abroad could mean boost for Devon tourism
Tourists worried about booking flights for holidays abroad this summer could bring a welcome boost for Devon tourism, according to Visit Devon

Visit Devon appoints new agency to promote Devon as the premier visitor destination in the UK
Visit Devon has appointed new South West based agency A Head for PR Ltd to promote the county as the premier visitor destination in the UK 

Visit Devon backs Kingsbridge hotel competing in England’s Best in Tourism awards 
Visit Devon is backing the Thurlestone hotel in South Devon in its bid to become England’s best large hotel

Mar '10

Visit Devon appoints new Chairman and General Manager
Visit Devon has appointed South West Media Group’s Deputy Chairman Duncan Currall as Chairman

Easter holiday happenings in heavenly Devon
Spring has sprung in England’s playground and Devon’s attractions are celebrating with a host of Easter activities for the whole family 

Feb '10

Valentine's value in Devon
Visit Devon's guide to affordable Valentine's Day breaks

Devon delights this half-term
Now the snow has melted away it's time to come out of hibernation, stretch those legs and start planning a family trip

Conference Torquay shortlisted for top Meeting Industry Award
Torquay’s dedicated conference bureau, has been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2010 Meetings and Incentive Travel Industry Awards

Jan '10

Tourism businesses optimistic for 2010
Visit Devon survey shows an encouraging start to the year

What's Hot 2010
Visit Devon launches guide to the region’s unmissable attractions and events in 2010

Visit Devon speaks out against government plans to change tax relief policy on furnished holiday lets Devon could lose up to £42 million* from the economy

Visit Devon congratulates the county’s winners in
South West Tourism Excellence Awards

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2009

Visit Devon speaks out against government plans to change tax relief policy on furnished holiday lets Devon could lose up to £42 million* from the economy

Visit Devon congratulates the county’s winners in
South West Tourism Excellence Awards

Christmas Devon-Style
Visit Devon’s guide to Christmas events across the county

Devon Celebrates Success in Tourism Excellence Awards
14 winners and 11 finalists from across the county

Autumn Breaks in Devon
Food festivals, burning barrels and the humble herring

Half-Term and Halloween Happenings in Devon
Online guide to what to do this October holiday

Devon Gears Up for the Tour of Britain
Visit Devon has created an online guide to cycling in the county

Devon’s Tourism Industry Reports Buoyant Summer
Business snapshot reveals encouraging figures as August Bank Holiday approaches

New and improved website for Visit Devon

It's an away win for Devon as the Council gets onside with Exeter City FC
Celebrating promotion to League Division One

Explore Braunton
State-of-the-art tours provide a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the area

What People Really Think About the Region
New research released today focuses on the Non Visitor attitudes towards the South West, and explores what they really think about the region.

Walkers are Welcome Town
Kingsbridge awarded 'Walkers are Welcome' status

World Class Holidays also available to locals
Visit Devon launches TV campaign

'Nano break' guide launched 2009 is set to be the year that Britain discovered the joys of the 'nano break' - one night mini-holidays perfect for credit crunched wallets.

Regional Tourism Awards Open for entries Tourism businesses invited to enter the South West Tourism Excellence Awards 2009-2010

Do it for Devon!New marketing campaign urges Devonians to holiday at home this year

Tourism message remains upbeat from Visit Devon Business snapshot shows positive outlook for tourism in the region

New figures reveal tourism is worth £2.3 billion to the Devon economy Results of the 2007 Value of Tourism study revealed

Visit Devon appoints new directors
Three new directors join board as organisation approaches 1st anniversary

Exeter Airport in top 5 of Which? online survey

Key role in European Cities Marketing for Visit Devon CEO Nicola Poultney appointed chair of Meetings Committee

Easter holiday happenings in heavenly Devon
Spring has sprung in England's number one county

People in Devon are amongst Happiest in Britain DK Travel announce the happiest people in the country

A New Walking and Cycling Route for West Devon
Drake's Trail is launched

lovemydevon winner announced
Former mayor of Torrington is crowned Devon's No.1 fan securing a £10,000 prize

Devon Knows Where... Visit Devon reveals some of the county's best hidden gems in new 'lovemydevon' guide

Early signs point to a good year for Top Attractions in Devon

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2008

Devon: Officially England's Best County
Devon comes out on top in quality of life league table

Love my Devon Finalists Announced
Visit Devon has announced the three finalists in the lovemydevon competition

Devon's Tourism Gold
Five Devon Tourism Businesses awarded Gold at annual 'Tourism Oscars'