EXMOUTH, Devon’s oldest resort, has topped a tourism chart by achieving the strongest growth in bookings anywhere in the country.

EXMOUTH, Devon’s oldest resort, has topped a tourism chart by achieving the strongest growth in bookings anywhere in the country.

Exmouth has seen a rise of 10.3 per cent in reservations compared with the June-to-September period last year, above that of major cities such as Edinburgh and London.

Weston-Super-Mare, in Somerset, came second in the top ten, with St Ives scooping the seventh spot, Torquay eighth and Lynton, in North Devon, number 10.

Tour operator Shearings, which compiled the figures, said that, with eight out of 10 on the list being seaside resorts, the Government and local authorities should be investing more into coastal hotspots to boost the UK economy.

They believe the ongoing resurgence of the seaside holiday could be a key opportunity for struggling resorts to give their region an economic leg-up.

Westcountry tourism leaders backed the operator, saying measures need to be taken to promote further growth.

Mayor Darryl Nicholas said: “The good news is coming on a weekly basis. In the past few months, we have had more than 20 new businesses starting up or about to start up in the town centre.

“The town has also attracted major sporting events such as the Tour of Britain and first class cricket.

“This new report, showing that our town is now number one in the entire country for bookings growth, is the icing on the cake. Holidays are a competitive market - so it is another example of the progress being made in Exmouth, showing that we are outperforming many other popular destinations.

“A lot of work has been put into promoting a positive image of Exmouth throughout the region, and I have no doubt that this is a contributing factor to these results.

“It just goes to show what can be achieved when the Chamber of Trade, town management, local businesses, community groups and the council work positively together. With exciting projects such as the town centre masterplan and Orcombe Point improvements ready to happen over the course of the next six months - there will be even more to attract visitors and most importantly please local residents.”