What a wonderful idea Paul Nightingale has, putting Exmouth’s Jurassic Coast on the English Tourist Map.
I was head guide at the Roman Baths in Bath. During that time, we welcomed our one millionth visitor. Later, I became assistant promotions and publicity officer. In my experience, if you build links with other tourist attractions, you widen your many opportunities.
Both my husband and I were Mayor’s Honorary Guides, my husband also being a Bristol Guide and a West Country Blue Badge Guide.
We then took the opportunity to start our own guiding service, greatly encouraged by local hoteliers and the chamber of commerce. By growing links with other organisations, we were soon employing other guides.
Exmouth is so well-placed to join with others, linking with Stonehenge, Exmoor, Dartmoor, Lyme Regis, East Budleigh, Topsham and Exeter. All these places have thousands of followers.
We did a variety of tours and, by working with tour operators, we built up and expanded dozens of tours in the South West.
A visitors’ centre, with modern visual displays, is vital. Being at the beginning of the Jurassic Coast is most important. The more you see, the better you understand.
One important thing to be aware of is that tourists not only visit in the summer months, touring is now a 12 months of the year business. They bring people who spend money and all businesses can benefit. The possibilities of increasing the tourist ‘spend’ in Exmouth, with a project like this, are endless.
My feeling is that Exmouth will miss out if it does not embrace and support Mr Nightingale’s vision and idea.
Marion Carter
23 Hamilton Court, Exmouth.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here