The unique attractions of Exmoor, West Somerset and the Quantock Hills are to be showcased in a national TV advertising campaign to encourage more people to visit these special places.
Conservative-led West Somerset Council is joining forces with Exmoor National Park Authority to support the work of the Exmoor Tourism Partnership in the drive to help the local tourism industry – and to make more people aware of the attractions on offer.
It is aimed at those planning a short break or longer holiday to put Exmoor and West Somerset at the top of their must-visit list.
Both authorities are putting £7,500 towards the television advertising campaign that launches on Wednesday April 9 and will run for a total of four weeks. It builds on plans that were already in the pipeline to run a third TV campaign promoting Exmoor in the wake of two successful advertising drives in 2012 and last year.
Cllr Karen Mills, who is portfolio holder for economic growth and regeneration, said: “Many businesses have reported that they have been seriously affected by the national coverage of the Somerset floods. In particular, businesses have had calls from many people asking whether they are open now, or indeed will be in August! Businesses have requested help to promote the area, so this campaign is in direct answer to these issues.”
The channels used in the latest campaign include ITV3, E4, More 4 and Yesterday on Freeview, and Sky 1, Comedy Central, Good Food, Home and Watch on Sky.
In all 125 adverts will be shown – with a potential audience reach of six million - over the two periods (9-23 April and then 2-16 May) and will feature two different Exmoor short films. ‘A Place for Adventure’ has an active theme, and in addition to aerial footage of Exmoor’s stunning coastline highlights opportunities available in the area including walking, mountain biking, sailing, high rope adventures and horse riding.
'Dream, Discover, Explore' is designed to have a broad appeal aiming to attract more people to the area. There is no voice over until the end, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the high quality footage which starts with a birds eye view swooping up the Hoar Oak Water at Watersmeet.
The advert also features the village of Selworthy, Exmoor ponies above Porlock vale, the dramatic coast at Heddons Mouth and finishes with aerial footage of Dunkery Beacon, the highest point within the National Park.