WITH all the current economic ills this country is enduring it is important not to miss an opportunity to contribute to our recovery.

The weakness of the pound means that not only will more of us be holidaying at home this year; there is a good chance of a significant increase in foreign visitors.

If we are to attract this increased trade and to maintain it in future years we must make sure that visitors to the West Country get a holiday they will want to repeat.

Our visitors do not just want expensive visitor attractions, ice-cream stalls and tatty souvenir shops. Bucket and spade holidays in this country have a short season.

Having paid what is still a great deal of money for their accommodation, and if we are to significantly extend our season we need to provide:-

Accommodation that offers good value for money and is of a high standard with good customer service. They also want quality food and drink at sensible prices. Generally I believe we offer both of these things.

But we need to go further than this. Above all visitors also want something to do that is enjoyable, can be done in most weathers and does not involve them constantly paying out more money.

This is where our footpath, bridleway and cycleway networks are so important. People of all ages love to walk and ride in our beautiful countryside. Devon County council is continually striving to improve the situation but still much needs to be done.

All those providing holiday accommodation need to familiarise themselves with their local area, provide details of circular walks and rides for their guests and actively encourage them to make use of them.

Ideally they should walk the routes themselves so that they can describe them. Recent local history is something that visitors are often fascinated to learn about.

More and more people from other parts of the country are looking to bring their horses on holiday and the livery provided on local farms has the potential to provide a significant boost to the local economy.

Cycling clubs and rambling clubs from this country and abroad are coming on holiday together.

This is what we do best and we can do it virtually throughout they year.

If we encourage these activities we will develop a viable tourist industry for the future. Failure to do so will result in its inevitable decline.

Richard Leonard

South West Riders

Menfreya

Thorndon Cross

Okehampton