NIGEL Huddleston, Minister for Sport and Tourism, heard of the challenges currently faced by Exmoor and West Somerset tourism, particularly the struggle to find key staff, when he visited Minehead on Tuesday to meet hospitality providers and industry representatives.

He was told that tourism accounts for about 60 per cent of all employment within Exmoor National Park and that the annual value of tourism to ‘Greater Exmoor’, including Minehead, was estimated at £40 million.

A Visit Exmoor spokesman said: “This summer has been challenging, with significant job vacancies and staff absence.

“Businesses have needed to adapt, changing their services and offerings, as they have struggled to find key staff to fulfil many roles from chefs, front of house, housekeeping and various management positions.

“The tourism and hospitality industry across the area is now focused on extending the season, inspiring visitors all year round, and looking at medium and longer-term solutions to the challenges we have faced since reopening this year.”

Visit Exmoor chief executive Emma Thomasson said: “We were delighted to meet Mr Huddleston in West Somerset and Exmoor. It was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the quality experiences and visitor offerings we have and introduce the minister to representatives from our area tourism and hospitality business.

“We had a productive meeting discussing some of the real issues businesses have faced and how we develop our vital visitor economy in a sustainable way for the future.” 

Tourism minister Nigel Huddleston said: “From the beautiful Lynmouth beach to the attractions at Butlin’s, Minehead, there is something for everyone across West Somerset and Exmoor.

“I know it’s been a challenging 18 months for the tourism and hospitality industry and I was fascinated to hear about local businesses’ plans to develop sustainably in the future.”