Apparently the 2024 tourist season has not been a good one locally. National press reports have quoted a Bideford business as ‘hanging on by a thread’. The Director of Visit Devon says there have been ‘serious declines’ in tourist numbers throughout the county. Inflation has put pressure on family budgets while poor UK weather and the Euros have tempted those with money to spare to travel further afield. The cryptosporidium outbreak in Torquay, together with the publicity about sewage on beaches, can hardly have helped. 

So, what can be done? 

Economic strategies for Torridge and North Devon talk about boosting ‘year-round tourism’ and a ‘diverse visitor economy’. ‘Our historic market towns are embracing their heritage’, they say. Drawing visitors into town centres is a ‘key driver for creating year-round tourism’.  

With Bideford and the river Torridge now recognised nationally as a Heritage Harbour, we are poised to help fulfil these admirable objectives. Heritage tourism is already worth £1.7 billion to the southwest economy and helps extend the tourist season. 

The Bideford Regeneration Board has designated the redevelopment and repurposing of Bideford Quay as a key priority and has commissioned a study to investigate options. Among these must surely be to use the space to organise more events which bring people into the town. We have already seen an exciting array of events on the Quay this summer: the Regatta, the Soap Box Derby, sporting events like the half marathon and the triathlon, and now the EAT festival coming up on 5 October. Taking advantage of Heritage Harbour status, we are exploring the possibility of organising a Maritime Heritage Day, or a Heritage Festival which could become an annual occasion and grow from year to year. 

One issue everyone agrees needs to be addressed is the dire state of the historic buildings in the town centre. Heritage Harbour status has the potential to act as a catalyst for the preservation of buildings which rise up from the waterfront from Appledore to Torrington. Working with partners, we need to bring together the funding, the skills and the vision to ensure they are well maintained and restore pride in our past. 

The Heritage Harbour has been a grass roots initiative, springing from the concerns of voluntary and charitable organisations to release the potential of heritage to benefit the community.  Heritage gives communities a sense of ownership and belonging, helping to bind them together and work on shared projects. 

It could also provide an important stimulus for regenerating the tourist economy and supporting struggling businesses. 

TT