EXMOOR National Park visitor centres will be reopened by next Saturday (July 4) to offer advice on how to enjoy the area safely and responsibly.

Sustainable economy manager Dan James said that yesterday’s announcement by the Prime Minister that significant parts of the hospitality and tourism sectors can begin reopening was encouraging.

“Tourism is by far the single largest part of Exmoor’s economy, contributing almost £130 million a year,” Dan said.

“So it’s encouraging that the Government is advising it will soon be safe for people to come here on holiday and enjoy its many pubs, cafés and attractions once again.

“There is the added pressure that many farmers have also diversified into tourism, meaning the picture-postcard landscape of hilltop farms and heather moorland for which Exmoor is so famous is also inextricably linked to tourists’ return.

“National parks were created to inspire people and we know that Exmoor holds a very dear place in many people’s hearts, whilst others are now being inspired to visit for the first-time following lockdown.

“We would ask those considering trips to plan ahead and follow Government and local guidelines, including the updated Covid Countryside code.

“Our national park centres will have all reopened by July 4 to offer advice and information to help people explore Exmoor safely, responsibly and enjoyably.

“Our tourism businesses together provide around 2,300 full time jobs – 60 per cent of employment locally – and throughout the pandemic we’ve been working hard to help them plan their recovery.

“We know many are going the extra mile to put people’s minds at rest and make things as safe as possible, but it goes without saying that local communities coming together to support each other is what’s getting people through, and on Exmoor that feeling has never been stronger.”