Visitors are expected to flock to the Westcountry this year to discover the places that brought Michael Morpurgo's War Horse to life on the big screen.

Fans of the Morpurgo classic, now the subject of the much anticipated Steven Spielberg movie, are expected to rush to Devon's Dartmoor as it becomes a "must-see" destination to explore the many film locations that inspired the Hollywood director.

Haytor, Combestone Tor, Ringmore Down, Venford Reservoir and Cadover Bridge are just a few of the inspiring moorland locations that were used as a backdrop for the moving story of the Devon farm boy and his horse, Joey, who is sent to fight in the First World War.

And now local businesses and tourism industry experts are hoping the film's success will encourage more people to visit the region.

Rosie Bates, general manager of VisitDevon, the official visitor guide to the county, said: "We really hope the positive coverage of the county through the film will inspire people to come and see the setting and have a short break or holiday in Devon.

"A lot of businesses on Dartmoor want to be associated with the film as much as possible to maximise the potential the film could have on profits – any association is good at the moment. We expect the film to really have an impact on tourism right through the summer."

Rangers at the Dartmoor National Park Authority have already posted information about their War Horse location tours on the park's website, while many local eateries and accommodation providers have expressed an interest in working with VisitDevon to market their business.

Ms Bates said: "The film is already out in the US and will be out in the UK on Friday – who knows, we may even get people coming from America, but it's great that the local community is coming together to make the most of this great opportunity."