15.01.04
European money to attract overseas visitors gives boost to tourism for Cornwall and Devon

Two million pounds will be pumped into attracting overseas visitors to Cornwall and Devon after a successful bid for European funding.

Cornwall Enterprise has been successful in achieving Objective One investment for the Devon and Cornwall Overseas Marketing (DACOM) tourism project. Devon County Council has also successfully bid for Objective Two money. The sum total means a £2million boost across both counties over three years which will be used to target potential visitors from across Europe, North America and the Far East.

Cornwall partners include Cornwall Enterprise, and Cornwall's six District Councils. Chairman of Cornwall Enterprise, Mr Brian Higman, said: "Overseas visitors are hugely important for the region. Not only are they economically significant because of their high levels of spend but the growth potential of these markets presents some very exciting prospects for both Cornwall and Devon.”

Over the past nine years, DACOM has successfully targeted the main Northern European markets of Germany, Holland and Belgium. This new project will not only build on these key markets but will also focus on other important markets such as Scandinavia, North America and the Far East.

The Chairman of DACOM, Nigel Smith, said: "In preparation for 2004 160,000 copies of the new Cornwall and Devon Holiday Planner have been printed in four languages, along with a Caravan, Camping and Holiday Park map and three themed maps on Arts and Crafts, Gardens and Activities.

"These will be distributed at 11 top consumer holiday shows in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Norway. They will also be promoted by VisitBritain at their offices around the world and by the Britain Your Way E-newsletter targeting Sweden, Finland and Norway.”

This new money will also be used to create a new searchable and bookable website which will offer itinerary and information searches to help potential visitors plan their stay. The project will also develop a thematic approach to its marketing with the focus on attractions such as gardens, arts, crafts and literature, walking, cycling, watersports and other outdoor activities, heritage and culture.

DACOM will be working closely with VisitBritain and linking to their marketing campaigns in Europe. This will include, in 2004, a gardens theme to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Royal Horticultural Society and in 2005 a coastal and maritime celebration called SeaBritain.

For further information please contact:

Kate Davies
Marketing Executive
Cornwall Enterprise
Pydar House, Pydar Street, Truro, TR1 1EA
Tel: 01872 322931
Fax: 01872 322919
Email: kate.davies@cornwallenterprise.co.uk

Editor's notes:

Jason Clark
Communications Adviser
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Tel: 01872 241379
Fax: 01872 241388
objectiveone@cornwall.gov.uk

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