AS English Tourism Week gets underway (March 13 to 22), Visit Mid Devon is celebrating the vital role local tourism businesses play in supporting economic growth, employment and communities across the district and beyond.

This year’s national theme, “Local Stories, National Growth”, reflects the reality of Mid Devon’s visitor economy, which is built on independent businesses, local people and authentic experiences. From market towns and rural stays, to food, drink and visitor attractions, tourism in Mid Devon contributes to a much wider national picture.

Across Devon, tourism is worth around £1.6 billion annually and supports more than 50,000 jobs, representing approximately 9% of all employment in the county.

Mid Devon plays a key role in this success by helping to spread visitor spend beyond traditional hotspots and supporting sustainable, year‑round growth across the region.

Tourism in Mid Devon supports jobs in accommodation, hospitality, attractions, retail, food production and transport, while also strengthening town centres and rural communities.

Small and medium‑sized businesses form the backbone of the sector, delivering high‑quality visitor experiences that encourage longer stays, repeat visits and positive word‑of‑mouth.

Cllr Keable, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration, Mid Devon District Council said: “Tourism plays a vital role in Mid Devon’s economy, supporting jobs, businesses and town centres while helping to spread the benefits of visitor spend across our communities.

“By celebrating Local Stories, National Growth, we’re recognising that places like Mid Devon are essential to the success of Devon & England’s visitor economy.”

English Tourism Week also highlights the importance of collaboration. Mid Devon forms part of Devon’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), which provides a stronger national voice for tourism and aligns local destinations with Visit England priorities.

This partnership approach helps ensure that areas like Mid Devon are recognised for their contribution to England’s visitor economy and are well positioned to benefit from future growth and investment.

Throughout English Tourism Week, Visit Mid Devon will be sharing the stories of local tourism and hospitality businesses, showcasing the people behind the places and highlighting how local experiences contribute to regional growth.

Follow on Facebook and Instagram at @visitmiddevon to follow the campaign or visit the website.