Bumper Bank Holiday for the tourism industry

The South West tourism industry was today celebrating a bumper Bank Holiday weekend after an estimated £172,524,363 was spent in the region.

Beches were bustling and parks packed as people soaked up the last of the summer sun.

Carolyn Custerson, chairman of Visit Devon, said: "Tourism is one of the leading industries in Devon – and we have proved this year that we can really deliver economically for the region."

National Trust properties were reporting an eight per increase year on year.

Laura Holt, deputy chairman of Visit Devon, said: "It's a tribute to the strength and quality of the Devon offer, and the fantastic talent of our tourism industry, that we are seeing so much success."

It also looks like holidaymakers had the best of the week's weather for a change.

Today, mist and fog patches will clear leaving a mostly dry and bright morning but it will become cloudier across western parts through the afternoon, with a little showery rain possible in the west. and a maximum temperature of 24 °C.

The outlook for Wednesday to Friday is cloudy with patchy rain at first on Wednesday, becoming drier and brighter later. Dry at first on Thursday, but cloud and patchy rain spreading southeastwards later. Conditions will clear on Friday and it will be on the warm side.