Thousands of Twitter users – from broadcasters to businesses - have been tweeting and re-tweeting using the hashtag #openforbusiness.
They have joined a region-wide campaign, backed by Prime Minister David Cameron, to spread the message that the West Country is still one of the nation’s favourite tourist destinations, despite the recent storms and floods.
It’s hoped the social network campaign will spread the message around the UK that the vast majority of the region’s many attractions, award-winning restaurants, hotels and caravan sites are open ahead of this month’s half term school holidays.
Kevin Foster, Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Torbay, said: “The West Country is famous for its hospitality and we must make sure that people are aware that the attractions across the English Riviera are open for business as usual and will be ready to take visitors when the schools break up.
“We have taken a battering, but we are working hard to make sure everyone visiting South Devon’s Beautiful Bay can create those family memories we remember for a lifetime. From the animals at Paignton Zoo, to the Victorians at Bygones Museum, Torbay is open for business this half term.’’
Businesses wishing to join the campaign can send a Twitter message using hashtag #openforbusiness. They can also add a widget produced by the English Riviera Tourism Company to their website ensuring their customers know the bay is open for business. Just visit: http://www.englishriviera.co.uk/website-widgets