New look for South Devon tourism
Visit South Devon has today unveiled a new look brand and refreshed website for tourism in South Devon, embracing tourism businesses and destinations across East Devon, Mid Devon, Teignbridge and South Hams. Created following its merger with Heart of Devon, the new brand, developed by Exeter brand agency, ‘Believe in’, is designed to create an evocative link between the shores and countryside of South Devon and happy holidays.
Providing a one-stop shop for tourists looking for everything from tea shops in Tiverton to bodyboarding in Bantham, the expanded Visit South Devon brings together information on events, attractions, destinations, activities, accommodation, and hospitality across the region, so that tourists can easily find the key to creating their perfect holiday. It guides visitors on a rich journey of discovery throughout the wider region, helping them find those elements that will make their holiday a truly happy one, wherever they choose to stay.
Commenting on the launch of the new brand, Stuart Longrigg, Chairman of Visit South Devon, commented: “Our goal is simple, and that is to entice visitors from across the UK and beyond to discover the delights of South Devon. The new and expanded South Devon Area Tourism Partnership (ATP) brings together an incredible mix of places to stay, experiences and attractions to enjoy, and it is for this reason that we have created a brand that embraces and celebrates all aspects of this astounding area using a logo that’s instantly identifiable with the southern half of Devon.
“From country lanes and rolling fields to cliff top views, moors and wild adventures on land or sea, South Devon is an incredible area, full of personality, packed with activities to experience and amazing places to explore. With no less than three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, over 120 miles of coastline, a national park, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, the South West Coast Path and host of nature reserves, South Devon is a stand out destination that deserves to be shouted about, and that’s exactly what we are here to do.”
From today the new look Visit South Devon website takes over from the Heart of Devon website, incorporating all destinations and tourism businesses on to a single site. Using the latest destination marketing techniques to assist and inspire travelers, the website entices visitors to explore the rich variety of things to do throughout South Devon taking them on a journey of discovery.
Commenting on the expanded website, Stuart Longrigg added: “Our goal is to highlight the very best of what makes South Devon so special, so that visitors can find the things that are going to make their holiday fun, exciting, relaxing, surprising and truly memorable. That could be kayaking and crabbing with the kids, barbequing on a beach, relaxing and recharging in a spa hotel, or wild camping on Dartmoor. With so much to offer, we believe we have an incredible opportunity to help guests discover South Devon, its warm welcome, amazing experiences and incredible hospitality – and that’s precisely what the website and our marketing activity will focus on.”
Commenting on the new Visit South Devon logo, which was unveiled at Exeter Racecourse, Tim Burley, Strategic Director at Believe in®, said “Central to the identity is an intriguing shape drawn directly from the geography of the area. It encompasses the whole southern half of Devon, uniting coast and countryside from across the county into a single visitor destination.
“We’ve also incorporated contemporary typography and a vibrant colour palette which, when combined with stunning imagery and the many different reasons to visit this glorious part of the world, will enable us to tell better stories about what South Devon does best, which is making people happy.”
Launched in good time for the new 2017 season, the new look website not only helps guests plan their perfect escape, but it also assists visitors on the move, giving day trippers and holiday makers staying locally quick and easy access to what’s on, where and when, whatever their mobile device.
Through extensive new content and enhanced SEO, Visit South Devon aims to boost visitor numbers both to the site and to tourism businesses covered by the new expanded area, increasing the number of day visits, short breaks, longer holidays and business trips to the local area. Combined with active and engaging social media work, marketing and PR, Visit South Devon aims to bring over 1 million users to the site each year, building on its success over the past three years, which has seen a 137% growth in website traffic to its site.
For more information on Visit South Devon visit: www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk
ENDS
Press Enquiries:
Ewan Davy/Rachael Whitson
Absolute PR and Marketing
Tel: 01392 680 740
Ewan@absoluteprandmarketing.com
Notes to Editors:
About Visit South Devon
Visit South Devon is the official tourism body for the South Hams, Teignbridge, East Devon and Mid Devon; an area which encompasses some of the region’s most dramatic and breathtaking countryside as well as miles of captivating coastline. From Seaton to Exmouth, Teignmouth to Torcross and from Shaldon to Salcombe, this enchanting part of the world welcomes thousands of visitors every year introducing them to the delights and discoveries of this beguilingly beautiful part of the world.
Visit South Devon works with tourism businesses and attractions in Mid-Devon, East Devon Teignbridge and the South Hams to help raise the profile of the area as a destination for both national and international visitors. Its main aim is to increase the number of day visits, short breaks, longer holidays and business trips to South Devon for the benefit of the local tourism economy.
Visit South Devon is a Community Interest Company that exists solely for the benefit of the local tourism community. It is a public-private company limited by guarantee and not for profit – ensuring all revenue is put back into marketing initiatives for the area.
Visit South Devon’s website www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk appears in the top search results for places to visit, things to do and places to stay in South Devon. It provides an affordable portal through which local tourism attractions, food and drink and accommodation providers can promote their businesses. Visitors can book B&B, hotel, guesthouse and self catering accommodation directly through the site. The website also provides comprehensive information on destinations to explore as well as places to dine, enabling visitors to build up an itinerary of things to do while on holiday in South Devon.
For more information about Visit South Devon, go to www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk or contact Acting General Manager, Sarah Stride Tel: 01626 215293.
