Covid vaccine could bring 'a positive summer for Devon' and keep struggling 'borderline attractions' going
Tourism bosses say they hope to welcome holidaymakers safely back to the county this summer
Last updated 12th Jan 2021
It’s predicted with more people now getting the Covid vaccine that increasing numbers of UK families will look to book staycations - with many considering Devon and the South West as a destination.
Torbay MP Kevin Foster said: "Those who are currently very vulnerable to the coronavirus are almost certain to have had the vaccination - so there is a real chance we could see a real positive Summer.
"What I can see when we do get through this lockdown, as the vaccination programme rolls-out increasingly rapidly over the coming months, there'll be many people who will be looking forward to perhaps what will be their first holiday in some time.
"We're easy to get to, have great beaches and we've got some great businesses."
Dick Wood, chair of the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (or DATA), believes it could be a slow build this Summer - as people tentatively start returning to a more normal life.
He said: "We are convinced that there is gonna be more people visiting Devon on what is called staycations this year because of the fear of going overseas and not being able to get back - and also all the different isolation periods which may or may not apply, depending on how the policy changes."
Below is our full interview with DATA chairman and South Devon Railway General Manager Dick Wood - who is also on the board of Visit South Devon:
When asked whether Devon attractions can weather the storm until the Summer, Mr Wood called it the $64,000 question.
He added: "Most of the members of the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions have all lost money in the last year.
"It's tight and it's difficult, everyone has had to furlough or lay-off staff.
"We've all had to cut our coat according to our cloth.
"It's a difficult time, some businesses are borderline now.
If we have another lousy season in 2021 like we had in 2020 businesses without a doubt will go to the wall I'm afraid."