South West Water commits £1.2 million to help tourism recover from Brixham cryptosporidium outbreak

Having cleaned up Brixham’s cryptosporidium outbreak this summer, South West Water have pledged over a million pounds to help clean up its economic impact on the region’s tourist sector.

In a significant step to support the recovery of the tourism industry across Devon, the utilities company has pledged a £1.2 million Destination Marketing Recovery Fund, to be managed over the next three years by the English Riviera BID Company.

This fund is dedicated to restoring booking levels and addressing the lasting effects of the cryptosporidium outbreak that occurred in Brixham this May.

While the contamination of Brixham’s water supply saw dozens of residents fall ill and unable to drink their tap water for months, the crisis cast an economic shadow over the region’s tourism sector that would outlast the outbreak itself.

The widespread negative media attention at local, national, and international levels left lasting consequences for tourism and hospitality businesses across Devon, resulting in a wave of cancellations extending into the summer season and beyond.

According to an independent impact survey commissioned by the English Riviera BID Company, the financial and reputational losses from the outbreak have been profound.

In response, the English Riviera BID Company, as the area’s lead Destination Marketing Organisation, collaborated with Brixham Chamber of Commerce, Brixham Town Council, Visit Devon, and Torbay Council to address the economic and reputational challenges facing the English Riviera and Devon brands. Together, these partners sought support from South West Water to facilitate the recovery process and to mitigate reputational and brand damage.

Chris Hart, Chairman of the English Riviera BID Company, expressed gratitude for South West Water’s commitment to building-back Devon’s thriving tourism industry.

“The Cryptosporidiosis outbreak had an unprecedented impact affecting not only short-term tourism to Devon, but also our reputation as being one of the UK’s leading holiday destinations. Our goal with this Recovery Fund is to restore visitor confidence, rebuild our reputation, and bring booking levels back to pre-outbreak levels. This partnership marks a critical step in our recovery, and we are grateful for South West Water’s commitment to helping the tourism industry recover from this crisis.’’

The Destination Marketing Recovery Fund will enable a series of comprehensive marketing initiatives aimed at restoring Devon’s appeal to prospective visitors. This includes national advertising campaigns, with television commercials set to begin airing in early Spring 2025.

The English Riviera BID Company is currently in the process of contracting a professional marketing agency to spearhead these efforts, ensuring a targeted approach that addresses both the scale of the economic setback, and the positive potential of reinstating the English Riviera, Brixham and Devon as leading UK travel destinations. The marketing campaigns will encompass multi-channel promotions, with a strong emphasis on rebuilding trust in the destination’s brands and ensuring a swift recovery in visitor numbers.

Vince Flower, Chair of Visit Devon, expressed his appreciation for South West Water’s response to the Cryptosporidium outbreak and their commitment to revitalising Devon’s tourism industry.

“The outbreak undeniably impacted Devon’s tourism, causing significant disruption to local residents and businesses, while also challenging Devon’s reputation as one of the UK’s premier holiday destinations. The impact of this outbreak, coupled with the need to respond positively, highlights the strength and importance of collaborative partnerships.

“We look forward to working closely with our partners at the English Riviera BID Company, Brixham Chamber of Commerce, Brixham Town Council, and Torbay Council. Together, we aim to leverage this Recovery Fund to restore visitor confidence, rebuild our reputation, and boost booking levels across Devon. We are grateful for South West Water’s commitment to supporting the tourism industry’s recovery from this crisis.”

Matthew Crabtree, Chair of Brixham Chamber of Commerce thanked South West Water for their help in providing this recovery fund to help Brixham mitigate the negative response of the crisis.  

“Brixham Chamber was delighted to hear that South West Water have agreed to help fund a recovery marketing campaign designed to mitigate the negative exposure suffered by Brixham, Torbay, and Devon.  Achieving this outcome is the result of a huge amount of work, and testament to the collaborative approach taken by the organisations involved.  Thank you to all those who worked on this, especially the team at the English Riviera Bid Company.”

Caroline Voaden, MP for South Devon said: "I'm really pleased to see that South West Water have agreed to help fund a recovery marketing campaign following the Cryptosporidium outbreak in South Devon earlier this year. Congratulations to Brixham Chamber of Commerce, the English Riviera BID Company, Brixham Town Council and Torbay Council for working together to secure this funding.

"While the effects of the Crypto outbreak are still being felt by many in the community, from tourist facing businesses to residents who still have health problems, I hope this campaign will go some way to restore the local tourist economy which is so important.

"What's next is for SWW to do more to rebuild trust with consumers in South Devon."