Tourism meeting to address Gove Effect

Tourism Society Westcountry’s next meeting is on June 11th at Castle Drogo to discuss the ‘Gove effect’ and what can be done to address the huge loss of business now being seen in the region.

The so-called 'Gove Effect' has had a huge impact on tourism in the Westcountry over the last 18 months, with changes to Education Regulations introduced by Michael Gove applying tighter restrictions on holidays in term time.

This has resulted in an £87 million loss of business to the visitor economies of Devon and Cornwall, stemming from families no longer booking term time trips and the resulting shortening of the main summer season.

For those working in hospitality, the effect has also been to prevent many families from being able to holiday together as many tourism employees are unable to take breaks during peak times.

The impacts are that many businesses have lost income, families have had to split up for their annual breaks and marketing strategies have seen a change in audiences and pricing.

Tourism Society Westcountry is meeting from 4 till 7pm on June 11th to discuss these issues and to share ideas on what can be done.  Speakers will share information on the impacts on their business, as well as constructive ideas for mitigating the effects. Confirmed speakers to date include:

• Changes Forced on Us - Pat Smith, Bosinver Farm Cottages
• Going Dog Friendly - Alistair Handyside, Higher Wiscombe & South West Tourism Alliance
• Impacts and Activities - David Gibbons, Tamar Valley Donkey Park
• Targeting the Continent - Ruud Jansen Venneboer, Mazzard Farm
• Other speakers TBA

There will also be the opportunity for behind the scenes 'Taster Tours' of Castle Drogo and the event will end with an informal buffet supper.

Further information and online booking can be found at www.tourismsociety.org