90,000 reasons why you should Visit Devon and the County Show

Release Date: 01/04/2010

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!

Visit Devon (www.visitdevon.co.uk) is the voice of tourism in the county and will be asking visitors to the show at Westpoint arena near Exeter for their personal recommendations for places to visit in Devon.

The information from participants in the survey will also be entered in to a competition and tracked on a special map to pinpoint where Devon’s favourite holiday spots are.

The General Manager of Visit Devon, Rosie Bates, says the survey will give a fascinating insight into what locals and tourists think about Devon: “It is important for us to hear at first hand what people enjoy about Devon. We have a lot to be proud of in the county and we will be asking for personal recommendations or favourite holiday memories. I am sure some great stories or surprises will be revealed.”

The Devon County Show acts as a microcosm of Devon and showcases its agricultural industry, diverse business community and top food and drink producers. Seven thousand animals will be at the show as well as six hundred and sixty one trade stands which will be on display across three and a half miles of the 92 acre site.

The organisers of the Devon County Show believe that the event is innovative but it has also stayed true to its farming roots. The Show Secretary Ollie Allen says; “Farming is essential to the local economy and to the whole ethos and feel of the county: it’s what shapes our countryside and what makes our county what it is. But, of course, we need to continue to innovate to attract local people to their county show and give them a truly memorable day out.”

For the first time at the Devon County Show a local Devon town is promoting itself at the event. It is the brainchild of business entrepreneurs from Exmouth who want to bring a little bit of magic from their resort to a wider audience.

There is also a brand new interactive exhibit for children at the show who are allowed free entry to the event on Saturday the 22 May. FunForKidz has plenty of hands-on activities for youngsters: everything from planting seeds to baking bread, milking Daisy and seeing chicks hatch. For more information about the Devon County Show, please visit www.devoncountyshow.co.uk

Notes to Editors

For more information about Visit Devon, contact Rosie Bates, General Manager, T/: 01392 332828 or E/: rosie@visitdevon.co.uk or go to www.visitdevon.co.uk

For further press information please contact:

Jane Adkins T/: 01935 813114 M/: 07960 698089 E/: jane@aheadforpr.co.uk Gail Livingstone T/: 01823 252415 M/:07767 055595 E/: gail@aheadforpr.co.uk

About Visit Devon

Visit Devon is the destination management organisation responsible for promoting Devon to the world. The organisation acts as a voice for tourism in Devon and its aim is simple - to increase the number of visitors to Devon by promoting the county as a year-round destination for business or leisure. The organization brings together, adds value to and enhances the work and activities undertaken by the six Area Tourism Partnerships across the county. Visit Devon is committed to growing the tourism sector sustainably, increasing the skills within the industry, and raising the quality of the visitor experience.

Visit Devon is a public-private partnership limited by guarantee. The not for profit company comprises of nine member organizations including the six Area Tourism Partnerships (Exeter and Essential Devon, Visit Plymouth, North Devon+, The Dartmoor Partnership, The English Riviera Tourist Board, and Visit South Devon) Devon County Council, The Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (Data), and Devon Farms.Visit Devon is the trading name of Destination Devon.