There are a thousand good reasons for visiting Somerset and Sedgemoor. Tourism is the second biggest industry in the area. It provides regular employment and contributes greatly to the local economy.We have fine hotels, friendly B+Bs, farmhouses with accommodation, holiday cottages to rent, masses of things to do and see - and fresh air in abundance. The history-lover can trek across the old battlefields on Sedgemoor. Those who crave wide open spaces can get lost (literally) on Exmoor. The sea is never far away, with picturesque ports like Porlock to visit. Good food, friendly folk, and everything for everyone. Yes, the area suffered very badly during and after the Foot and Mouth crisis. But by sheer hard work the tourism industry has pulled itself back. The Summer seasons of 2003 and 2004 saw a profusion of those little signs that spell good news - "no vacancies"........BUT.......

I am already getting reports that the 2005 season has been, at best, "break-even" for many businesses - particularly in West Somerset. This is disturbing, but may be temporary. The entire UK tourist market has suffered as a direct result of consumer caution after the London bombings in July 2005. Foreign tourists are giving Britain a wider berth. Inter-British tourism is also suffering. The longer term predictions are not, however, anything like so gloomy. I will, of course, be raising the industry's concerns when Parliament returns from the summer recess. As ever I would welcome your feedback on this important local issue.

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• http://www.swtourism.co.uk/
• http://www.visit-exmoor.info
• http://www.celebratingsomerset.com
• http://www.somersetbythesea.co.uk
• http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/
• http://www.exmoorfalconry.co.uk/
• http://www.exmoortourism.org/
• http://www.exmoor-accommodation.co.uk (nb: South West Tourism's website of the year 2004!!)
• http://www.exmoorattractions.com/
• http://www.exmoor-holidays.co.uk/
• http://www.whatsonexmoor.co.uk/
• http://www.porlock.co.uk/
• http://www.butlinsonline.co.uk/index.cfm?page=2087
• http://www.quantockonline.co.uk/index.html