DEVON'S largest provider of park holidays has welcomed a new survey showing the county is holding out against fierce competition from foreign destinations.

Park Holidays — with holiday parks in Brixham, Paignton, Dawlish and Dawlish Warren — says the findings will give a big confidence boost to the region's tourism businesses.

According to the survey, Devon and Cornwall are now the only two UK destinations which feature in the top five holiday favourites of British families.

Thirty years ago, no overseas destinations appeared in the list of winners which today comprises Spain, France and Greece along with Devon and Cornwall.

The main losers, now edged out of the top five by sunnier competitors, are Wales and Scotland.

According to Park Holidays UK director Tony Clish, the survey results mirror his own group's experience of Devon's enduring appeal as a holiday hot-spot.

He said: "Last summer, bookings on our seven Devon parks were up 14 per cent on the previous year — a remarkable result considering neither the economy nor the weather were especially kind.

"This year, based on the present booking trends, I think we are likely to trump even those record visitor numbers — so it could be a golden summer for Devon's tourism economy.

"There is no doubt the county deserves its place in the top five holiday destinations because it has such a magical mix of natural beauty, a great climate, and a long tradition of hospitality.

"It is sad, of course, to see Wales and Scotland being washed away by Mediterranean competitors, but I think that Devon need have no worries on this score. Frankly, we offer better beaches, prettier countryside, a bigger range of outdoor activities and more digestible food than many other countries can cook up."