TOURISM satisfaction on Exmoor is at an all-time high according to the results of the 2016 Visitor Survey conducted by the national park authority.

Of those who took part, 99 per cent of visitors rated their overall satisfaction level as either ‘very good’ (76 per cent) or ‘good’ (23 per cent).

Satisfaction levels have increased in all areas including quality and value of accommodation, rights of way, roads and signage since the survey was last carried out in 2014.

Visitors to Exmoor were approached over a six-month period during 2016 and asked a series of questions designed to help the park authority and its partners, such as Visit Exmoor, gain a greater understanding.

The research is carried out every few years and is used to inform marketing strategies, support funding bids and highlight possible areas of concern.

The survey shows that 81 per cent of visitors were on a repeat visit and 86 per cent intend to visit again.

Exmoor National Park Authority’s sustainable economy manager Dan James said: “These high levels of satisfaction are exactly what keeps visitors coming back here time and time again.

“With our partners we continue working to attract new visitors by increasing awareness of Exmoor and the wonderful and varied experiences people can have here.”

Visitors from Germany and the Netherlands continue to dominate Exmoor’s overseas visitors which have risen steadily from only five per cent of the total overall visitor numbers in 2005 to 12 per cent in 2016.

The internet features highly as an information source for tourists both before and during their visit but, notably, the national park centres and visitor centres are visited by 50 per cent of tourists during their stay.

Overnight visitors are split fairly evenly between serviced accommodation (32 per cent), self-catering (30 per cent) and caravan and camping (30 per cent), plus eight per cent staying with friends or relatives.

Mr James added: “Tourism is worth an estimated £113 million to the national park economy and staying visitors contribute most significantly spending an average of £70  per day, twice that of a day visitor.

“In total over 2,200 full time equivalent jobs in the area are supported through the tourism sector.”

The results were presented at the recent Visit Exmoor Business Networking Day in Porlock.

Jennette Baxter, Visit Exmoor’s development manager, said: “We know that visitors are attracted here by the stunning scenery, tranquillity and wildlife.

“The satisfaction results in this survey demonstrate how the combination of the natural environment with great local events, quality accommodation and food businesses makes Exmoor a perfect holiday destination.”

The 2016 Visitor Survey results are available on the Exmoor National Park website in the ‘tourism’ and ‘research’ section.