About the...

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.

Our Aims

To ensure that those with an interest in tourism in Torbay and the English Riviera join forces to secure its future success.

What We Do

The THA is 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.

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.

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 businesses, and save them money and time.

Our Priorities

The THA provides active practical help to the tourist industry we are here to support.

Our tourism priorities are:

• Effective marketing through our website and annual holiday guide
• Helping THA members to improve product development/quality
• Developing strong partnerships within the tourist industry

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 fees and benefits, or email: info@torbayhospitality.com

Tourist Industry

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.

Other organisations include:

• 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

Recent marketing and promotion initiatives 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 popular tourism website
• Distribution of the THA's annual holiday 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 the English Riviera