On 18 March 2022, Geoffrey visited Noteworthy Farm Caravan and Campsite to mark the start of English Tourism Week, which runs until 27 March.
English Tourism Week, which is led by VisitEngland, is an annual celebration of the tourism industry, highlighting its economic importance and promoting the innovation, quality and range of products and services on offer.
During his visit, Geoffrey planted a tree next to Noteworthy’s David Bellamy conservation gold wildlife pond, to celebrate the Queens Green Canopy. He also presented two British Holiday & Home Parks Association (BH&HPA) Exceptional Service awards, to Mary Wood and Mark Snook-Bevis, in recognition of their hard work and commitment to the campsite and the environmental conservation work carried out on the site.
Geoffrey said:
“I was keen to support English Tourism Week. Tourism is essential to the local economy in Devon, bringing income into the area and providing vital jobs, upon which many local people rely. The pandemic was a particularly difficult time for the industry, with businesses forced to close and then being restricted in reopening due to social distancing. I was closely in touch with local tourist businesses throughout the crisis, feeding back the problems so ministers could better design the government’s relief schemes. For example, the cut in Vat to 5% will continue throughout this summer season and it is wonderful to see local businesses like Noteworthy Farm Caravan and Campsite go from strength to strength now that they have reopened.”
Mark and Julieann Snook-Bevis, owners of Noteworthy, said:
“We were delighted to meet Sir Geoffrey Cox, on the first day of British Tourism week at Noteworthy Farm caravan and campsite, Geoffrey showed great interest in our business as well as our Angora goats and calves.
“We thank him for showing his enthusiasm and support in the tourism industry in North Devon and hope to welcome him back soon to see how the tree and surrounding area is progressing.”
