A SPECIAL new guide has been published to boost Dartmoor as a tourist attraction, enabling visitors to learn more about the area.
The comprehensive, colour booklet includes information on the National Park's attractions and recommends the best places to stay on and near the famous moor.
Joy Wishlade, project officer for Dartmoor Tourist Association which compiled the guide, said: 'We are working hard to heighten Dartmoor's profile and reach a wider audience.
'Dartmoor, which celebrates its 50th anniversary as a National Park in 2001, has a lot to offer both day-trippers and holidaymakers.
'We don't want anyone to miss out because they didn't know about it!'
More than 60,000 copies of the guides have been printed and will be distributed throughout the country and abroad.
The professionally designed brochure includes photographs and articles which portray Dartmoor as a beautiful, unspoilt and challenging area to visit, with attractions to suit all ages.
The project was jointly funded by West Devon Borough Council, Teignbridge District Council, the European Regional Development Fund, Regional Development Agency, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon County Council and the DTA.
The guide launch is part of the Association's plans to make Dartmoor the place to visit in 2000 and beyond.
The organisation has employed a public relations firm to promote the guide and develop a marketing campaign for the new Millennium.
The DTA hope there will also be a Dartmoor dedicated website for potential visitors to log on to.
Coinciding with the DTA's new approach to marketing, the Association itself has now become a limited company following an increase in business.
Graham Smitherham, treasurer of the DTA, said: 'This is a significant step for the Dartmoor Tourist Association.
'We have been working successfully to increase the publicity we generate for the tourism businesses on and around Dartmoor.
'As we generate more funds we need to ensure we are acting as professionally as possible.'
l Anyone who would like a copy the Dartmoor Guide should call 01822 890567 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]