Going through Covid the outcome could have been a very different story, but the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (DATA) trading as Devon’s Top Attractions has continued to support members, changed their model with innovation as key, also gravitating towards digital and increased collaborative partnership working. They have emerged as a greatly sought-after, high quality membership group. Their strategy has paid off as they welcome several new and returning prestigious top visitor attractions to their eclectic mix of members. Plus, increasing their destination and transport partner portfolio.
They head into 2023 as a strong not for profit Association, with a membership of over 40, who promote Devon and represent the top attractions. They work closely with Visit Devon and all the Area Tourism Partnerships and regularly represent Devon at national exhibitions and Group Travel Shows. All members are annually inspected and have to be approved before they can carry the quality assured stamp.
Devon’s Top Attractions are delighted to welcome Rick Turner, owner of The Big Sheep Farm and Theme Park, as their new Chairman. Rick brings with him much energy, enthusiasm, and vast experience to his new role. He said. “I am delighted to be leading Devon’s Top Attractions into 2023 and we have exciting plans for the year ahead. It’s going to be a tough year for everyone and so we need to have a smart and innovative approach to collectively market and support our members and continue to offer the very best days out in Devon in terms of quality and visitor experience. We are delighted to welcome our new members and partners to the Association, and we look forward to working with them.”
The Association is delighted to welcome The Box Museum and Art Gallery in Plymouth as a new member, plus Paignton Zoo, Diggerland and Torre Abbey as returning members. All four attractions had to pass a rigorous inspection process and be voted in by members before they could join the Association. The Association also welcomes Visit Exeter and the English Riviera Bid as new destination partners and Stagecoach Buses as a new transport partner.
Paignton Zoo’s Customer Growth Manager, Louise Smith, said “Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most exciting visitor attractions. With over 2,000 animals and countless amazing plants we are a great day out for all the family. We are really excited to be working with DATA and building a new partnership, especially as in 2023 we are celebrating our 100th year since opening the gates to visitors. It’s a momentous year and we have lots planned to mark the occasion including special events and trails.”
George Scott, General Manager at the Diggerland park in Devon, said: “Everyone at Diggerland is thrilled to be a part of Devon’s Top Attractions, which is an incredible organisation providing amazing ideas for wonderful family days out. To be recognised by the county’s leading tourism board is a huge accomplishment, especially as membership requirements are of a very high standard. We are so pleased and proud to be new members and we can’t wait to kick off the 2023 season this coming February, working in partnership with the Devon Association of Tourist Attractions (DATA). Guests to Diggerland can enjoy a fun-fuelled, family day out driving and operating real JCB diggers, dumpers and lots of other construction machinery.”
Some of Devon’s Top Attractions are open all year round and look forward to seeing visitors over the Winter but all are gearing up for a fabulous February Half Term when many will open their doors for the start of the season and will be offering a great mix of special events and experiences.
To find more information and ideas for a Devon day out, check out the Devon’s Top Attractions website www.devonstopattractions.co.uk