About Us

Intro
The Torbay Hospitality Association (THA) was originally formed by members of the tourism industry in 1918 at the request of Torquay Borough Council which, recognising the importance of the growth of tourism at that time, felt that they needed a trade association to inform them of the needs of the industry.

Today our proactive representation at tourism, hospitality and business organisations at national, regional and local level helps to ensure that the industry gets its opinion heard and results in a better understanding of our needs and aspirations, influencing key industry decision makers and helping to shape policy.

THA logo

What We Do
The THA has been very fortunate to have a hard working committee which is dedicated to actively supporting the Association’s members and the tourism industry, whilst also helping to promote Torquay, Paignton and Brixham and the wider region to visitors.

On a more personal level, the THA provides members with a wide range of services designed to keep them informed of industry issues, keep up-to-date with legislation, help grow their business’ and save them money and time.

Our Aims
To ensure that those with an interest in tourism in Torbay join forces to secure its future success.

Our Priorities
The THA provides active practical help to the tourist industry we are here to support. Our tourism priorities are:

  • Effective marketing (THA website and holiday guide)
  • Helping members to improve product development/quality
  • Developing strong partnerships

Membership
The THA currently has 170 accommodation members and 70 commercial members. In order to continue to represent the industry the THA needs to attract more members. Contact the THA on tel 01803 605808 for details of membership benefits.

We actively participate on tourism issues with the following organisations

The British Hospitality Association (The national trade association for the hospitality industry)
The THA has been an associate member of the British Hospitality Association (BHA) for many years.

Established in 1907, the BHA represents over 9,000 hotels, 11,000 restaurants and 19,000 contract catering units. The BHA works for its members within government circles and beyond, promoting and protecting the interests of all operators in the industry - from the largest multi-national to the smallest independent.

It ensures their voice is heard at local, national and international levels, highlighting to those in power the hospitality industry's valuable contribution to the UK economy.

The Devon & Cornwall Business Partnership

The Devon Economic Partnership

South Devon Chamber of Trade

Federation of Small Businesses

The Forum of Private Business

Torbay Tourism Forum

Torbay Sports Council

Our Achievements
Marketing and promotion initiatives carried out over recent years include:

  • Working closely with the Chairman and Executives of the Chartered Institute of Waste Management’s Annual Conference to increase trade for our members from this important sector.
  • Ongoing development and investment in the THA’s website
  • Distribution of the THA’s annual accommodation guide to visitors on behalf of the Association’s members.
  • Annual Hospitality Scholarship Awards to students at South Devon College.
  • Marketing initiatives with Exeter International Airport and Bristol International Airport to attract more visitors to Torbay.