Two million pounds will be pumped into attracting overseas visitors to Devon and Cornwall after a winning bid for European funding.

Devon County Council has successfully bid for Objective Two money for the Devon and Cornwall Overseas Marketing (DACOM) tourism project. And Cornwall Enterprise has been successful in achieving Objective One funding. The sum total means a £2million boost across both counties over three years which will be used to target potential visitors from across Europe.

Devon partners in the bid include Devon County Council, the North Devon Marketing Bureau, Torridge District Council, West Devon Borough Council, South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District Council, East Devon District Council, Mid Devon District Council and the two unitary authorities - Plymouth and Torbay.

Devon County Council Executive Member for Economic Regeneration Derrick Spear said: 'Whilst the project will continue to focus on maintaining visitor levels from the Northern European market, securing these funds is a significant achievement and will undoubtedly provide tourism businesses with the chance to reach new markets. DACOM can now build on its existing successes and develop new areas including group travel, e-mail marketing and working more closely within inbound airlines.

The Chairman of DACOM, Nigel Smith, said: 'Ahead of next year's season, 160,000 copies of the new Cornwall and Devon Holiday Planner have been printed, along with a caravan, camping and holiday park map and three themed maps on arts and crafts, gardens and activities.'

'These will be distributed at 11 top consumer holiday shows in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Austria and Norway. They will also be promoted by VisitBritain at their offices across the world and by the Britain Your Way E-newsletter targeting Sweden, Finland and Norway.'

Over the past nine years, DACOM has successfully targeted the main Northern European markets of Germany, Holland, Belgium, and Scandinavia.

This new money will be used to create a new searchable and bookable website which will offer itinerary and information searches to help potential visitors plan their stay. The project will also develop a thematic approach to its marketing with the focus on attractions such as gardens, arts, crafts and literature, walking, cycling, watersports and other outdoor activities, heritage and culture.

DACOM will be working closely with VisitBritain and linking to their marketing campaigns in Europe. This will include, in 2004, a gardens theme, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Royal Horticultural Society, and in 2005 a coastal and maritime celebration called SeaBritain.

A launch for Dacom will be held at the National Trust property Cotehele, near Saltash, at 11.30am this Thursday 15 January.

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