Bay gears up for tourists who want active holidays
TORBAY is preparing to welcome a new kind of tourist keen on activities and with “deeper pockets” from today.
The leader of Torbay Council, Steve Darling, says times have changed and the three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are now attracting a new kind of tourist.
The “phenomenal” rise in popularity of all-year-round outdoor activities like wild sea swimming and paddleboarding is one of the reasons for the change – along with the ban on foreign holidays because of Covid-19.
A number of factors mean that the Bay is preparing itself for one of its busiest summer seasons since its post-war heyday.
Mr Darling said: “It’s very exciting. We are envisaging large numbers visiting and a very busy season ahead.
“People are entitled to jump in a car in the West Midlands and come down to Torbay for a day trip. That wouldn’t be breaking any Covid rules.
“We know that visitors and residents want to be safe. As we understand Covid more and more, we know that it would be exceptional for people to catch it out in the open air, just by walking past another person.
“We see this as an opportunity to put our best foot forward so that we get people coming back – not just the traditional holidaymakers who already know and love Torbay, but also new visitors with deeper pockets.”
The rise in popularity of wild sea swimming and stand up paddleboards (SUPs) means that Torbay’s coastline has become a playground for a new generation of people who want to enjoy outdoor pursuits on holiday.
“It’s phenomenal and it means that people can get out there and really experience a whole new side of Torbay,” he said. “We are attracting more modern tourists – but we still welcome people who want to sit in their deckchair and relax.
“What we are looking at is ways to help facilitate those outdoor pursuits wherever possible.”