Local businesses in the favourite UK holiday destination say they are worried after seeing a marked drop in visitors this summer – and want the local council to take action
A favourite UK holiday destination is struggling after being hit by lower than expected tourist numbers this year, according to locals.
Devon, a favourite among Brits for its stunning beaches and charming independent businesses, is said to be “hanging on” by a thread as people abandon the county. The area is witnessing a sharp decline in tourism due to rising costs, pushing tourists towards cheaper package holidays abroad instead of splurging on a stay in Britain. Earlier this year, it was revealed that the most expensive place to buy a home on the British coastline is in Devon. Salcombe held onto its title as the priciest coastal spot with an average house price of £970,657, according to Lloyds Bank analysis.
Rent in parts of Devon have surged at five times the rate of inflation over the past year, with hotel prices also skyrocketing. This increase seems to be encouraging tourists to stay away, as Devon has seen a 10-15% drop in visitors compared to last year, reports Express.co.uk. High living costs and poor weather conditions are also said to be adding to the problem. Paul and Andrea Humphries, owners of Cafe Collective in Bideford, who make their own gluten-free cakes, scones and savoury muffins, told the newspaper that despite being the top business in the local area, they are just “hanging on”.
The couple said: “We haven’t had a good summer and I don’t feel that it has been for most, we’re just hanging on.” The decrease in tourism is being blamed on people favouring cheap package holidays abroad. Another thing that is having an effect is people working from home, they are not shopping in their high street.” Mr and Mrs Humphries believe the council needs to step up its game to support independent businesses that are teetering on the brink due to a slump in trade.
Sarah Anderson, who runs Devonmade in Paignton, reckons Devon has become so pricey it’s now cheaper to jet off abroad for a week. She said: “I think the tourism industry in Devon may be struggling as it is just so expensive, it seems now that going abroad can be cheaper than a week away in Devon. I recently visited Salcombe for my birthday and the hotel cost would have been out of budget for a family holiday, I could only afford one night for a special occasion.”
Despite a dip in tourism, Devon might be on the mend after a slow year for visitors, as last month turned out to be Ms Anderson’s most lucrative. She revealed: “I opened my larger shop in April 2023, my summer trade was just building as I had moved locations but I found it very quiet last year. Fast forward to summer 24 I was ready for another quiet season but last month was my busiest month yet, even beating my Christmas sales.”
“I have had a lot more customers who are on holiday which has been fantastic for my business. I think as I’m an independent and also an advocate for small businesses this is attracting customers in, they want to spend the money they do have wisely by shopping local.” In a bid to draw tourists back, Visit Devon is making efforts to encourage those living within a “two-hour drive radius” to explore the county.
