A new, free-to join tourism network has launched to help businesses in East Devon share expertise, fight climate change and offer the best product or service to customers.

East Devon District Council awarded the contract for the new East Devon Tourism Network (EDTN) to East Devon Excellence, following a competitive tendering process.

The new network is a key part of the East Devon Tourism Strategy, with aspirations for East Devon to become the leading, year-round tourism destination in Devon.

Cllr Nick Hookway, East Devon District Council's portfolio holder for Tourism, Leisure, Sport and Culture, said: "We are delighted to support this new East Devon-wide tourism network. All tourism businesses are welcome to join to share ideas, find out about new opportunities and learn from best practice.

"By supporting the business community improve its offer, it will eventually drive more return visitors and attract new ones.

"The network will bring together key tourism representatives to address common challenges and improve operations with a heightened commitment to quality, showcasing a tourism community that can be a force for good.

John Crouch, chair of East Devon Excellence, commented: "We are delighted to deliver this contract to enhance local tourism.

"As a values-driven network with proven commitment to: promoting quality, working towards net zero, improved accessibility and collaboration, it will be a place where valuable information can be exchanged, and relevant opportunities explored to support businesses within the tourism sector. 

"We have an abundance of high-quality sustainable tourism businesses within an area of outstanding natural beauty that people can enjoy, and businesses should rightly be proud of."

Membership is free to businesses who fulfil the following criteria:

• The majority of the business is within/ relevant to the tourism sector
• The business specifically promotes to and attracts visitors to East Devon
• They provide a visitor experience, whether it is to eat, stay or visit
• They are committed to values of promoting quality, working towards net zero, improved accessibility and collaboration and can evidence this commitment.

The network will provide a comprehensive online listing of high quality, East Devon based cultural events and activities that will appeal to tourists. It will highlight things to do to encourage cultural tourism. This What's On Guide will be hosted on the East Devon Excellence website.

The network won't directly promote the area because there are already a number of well-established destination management organisations fulfilling that role.

The network is supported by East Devon District Council and funded by The UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund.

The first network event will take place in March and businesses interested in joining the network to attend the event should email [email protected]