Devon is renowned for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches and the many small, inviting local businesses found slightly inland from the always-popular beach frontage. This popular destination is struggling to maintain its draw as the local businesses are being forced to pass on the increased costs of domestic tourism. Increasing vacations abroad are proving cheaper than the Devon countryside-based businesses can compete with, and the local economy is in danger if this trend continues.

Devon, with its lovely sandy beaches and small gift shops, is in a bit of a spot. A county that use to be one of the main holiday destinations for Britons is now registering the steepest decline in the number of tourists. The tourism drop is because people can actually holiday abroad for cheaper than spending a week in Devon, which is causing serious problems for local businesses that rely on tourism to survive.

Once upon a time, Devon was a no-brainer for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It has a beautiful coastline and delicious local food; one could easily get engrossed here. it was the ideal answer for a mellow retreat. But that, of course, was before living costs, and the sound of everything, from accommodation to meals out, began rising. It is reported that fewer people are now getting on vacation to Devon and this is taking a toll on local businesses.

Earlier this year, research by Lloyds Bank revealed that Devon was home to some of the most expensive properties on the market along its coastline. Top of the list was Salcombe, with the average property price close to £1 million. This has had a knock-on effect on the cost of renting holiday homes and staying in hotels, in some areas making them up to five times the rate of inflation, which just prices a staycation to Devon as out of the reach of many people.

Paul and Andrea Humphries, running Cafe Collective in Bideford, are feeling the pinch:. The couple specializes in home-made gluten-free cakes and savory muffins. This summer, though, it has been far worse than usual. “We haven’t had a good summer, and I don’t feel that it has been for most,” Paul says. “We’re just hanging on.” The couple ascribes this partly to people going for cheaper package holidays abroad, rather than spending their hard-won money in Devon.

Additionally, remote working increases, contributing to the drop in tourism. As the majority of individuals are at home, there will be less of a tendency that there would be visits to the local high streets. Its even further decreased sales for the local businesses. This double blow of fewer tourists and fewer locals shopping in town has left many businesses struggling to make ends meet.

Sarah Anderson runs Devonmade in Paignton, and she is also convinced that the situation is no different. Her shop sells locally made crafts and gifts and has also seen a fall in trade. She said she thought that Devon had become so pricey that it actually worked out cheaper for people to go abroad. “I think the tourist industry in Devon may be struggling because it’s just so expensive,” says Sarah. “It seems now that going abroad can be cheaper than a week away in Devon.”

Sarah recently celebrated her birthday in Salcombe, one of her favourite places. Even she was shocked by how very, very pricy it had become. “The cost of a hotel would have been out of budget for a family holiday,” she says. “I could only afford one night for a special occasion.” A lot of people seem to share this impression of the prices that have unexpectedly soared in Devon over the last few years.

While rising costs are hurting tourists more day by day, they share the pain with the local businesses here, who find it very hard to keep their shops open. Paul and Andrea feel very worried about this. They say that without further assistance, it will not be possible for them to keep the doors open. “Independent businesses are at risk of closing due to a decline in trade,” Andrea said. “We need more support to survive.”

This has then precipitated into a downward spiral in tourism. Fewer tourists are pumping money into the local economy, a factor that is causing businesses to go under. This then makes an area less appealing to visitors, leading to a further reduction in the number of tourists; the situation, therefore, develops into one leaving many business owners desperate and in a dilemma over what to expect in the future.

So why do so many people prefer to go abroad than visit Devon? It would appease that cost is the answer. Many go abroad because package holidays represent better value for money. All-inclusive deals and guaranteed sunshine prove hard to refuse, especially when a week in Devon can end up costing more.

The weather has also played a part in the state of Devon’s tourism. The UK isn’t exactly famous for its sunshine, and when it is not out, the idea of going to someplace like Spain or Greece, where the sun is more reliable, becomes very appealing. To many, the idea of sitting around for a whole week in the rain is just not something worth the cost that they have to pay.

Ultimately, Devon’s charm may not be enough to keep tourists coming back. As long as it is cheaper to go abroad, the county could continue to see visitors slipping down. For those local businesses for which tourism forms the main income, that is a disturbing trend with its consequences possibly being long-lasting.

Devon dangles by a thread, and if things do not change soon, it may become one of those places fewer and fewer of us would visit. For the immediate future, that is, the outcome for the county remains uncertain, and local businesses can only hope more visitors arrive before it’s too late.