Multi-million pound boost to Devon’s economy

More than £7.3 million was injected into Devon’s economy from this year’s Tour of Britain cycle race.

Devon County Council hosted this year’s section of the race from Barnstaple to Dartmouth over Dartmoor.

And  according to independent research commissioned by the tour organisers, an extra £7.3 million was spent in the county as a direct result of the event. Devon County Council hosted this year’s section of the race from Barnstaple to Dartmouth over Dartmoor.

That is more than double the £3.1 million that was generated for the county’s economy by the 2011 stage of the race.

This year’s Devon stage has just been judged as the runner-up in the Devon Tourism Awards’ Event of the Year.

Last year more than 125,000 spectators watched theDevonstage. This year there were 220,000 spectators.

160,000 were day visitors while over 60,000 stayed overnight.

A survey of more than 3,200 spectators revealed that, based on an average group size of 1.4 people, day visitors spent £62 per group and overnight visitors spent £105 per group.

This equates to gross expenditure of over £19 million which the researchers calculate means the Tour of Britain was worth £7.3 million net to Devon after allowing for spending which would have happened anyway.  

Ninety five per cent of those who watched the Devon stage said it was a very enjoyable experience.

Twenty seven per cent stayed overnight in the area and a quarter said it was their sole reason for visiting Devon.

Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy,Enterprise and Employment, Will Mumford, said:

“Once again, the Tour of Britain has proved an enormous success story for Devon.

“Devon County Council has to think carefully about spending public money on hosting an event like this.

“But our investment has been returned many times over in this direct boost to the economy of the county which would not have happened otherwise.

“In addition a world-wide TV audience has seen what makes our county so special. The weather couldn’t have been kinder to show off the beauty of Devon from the North Devon coast through the rugged majesty of Dartmoor to the delights of the South Hams.”

The survey also found that 75 per cent of respondents were inspired to cycle more regularly after watching the race.

Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, Stuart Hughes, said:

“This year’s Tour was the best ever and it has illustrated why our county is a premier destination for cycle tourism.

“The atmosphere was electric and it was incredible to see Mark Cavendish and the other top riders in Devon.

“It was also inspiring to seeDevon’s own champion rider Jon Tiernan-Locke wearing the yellow jersey on his home stage and winning the race overall.

“He’s the first British rider to win the Tour of Britain and he does his preparation for races onDartmoor.

“I find it very positive that the event has inspired people to take up cycling or return to cycling.

”And it’s also really encouraging that so many people had so much fun.”