Welcome to the South Somerset Tourism Trade Page
This page contains information for existing tourism businesses and those starting a tourism business in South Somerset.
South Somerset Information Centres
South Somerset Visitor Information Centre & Gift Shop is now closed.
The Yeovil Tourist Information Centre is a self-serve information point, located in the Customer Connect area at Petters House in the town centre and is remaining open for the foreseeable future.
South Somerset Publications and Itineraries
Download and Access FREE Guides for 2023. NB - while these publications are from 2023 most of the content is still relevant.
Enjoy and share our free guides:
Download and Access FREE enticing itineraries
- In addition, please find a great range of itineraries available to download for free in addition to the library of free leaflets, maps and brochures too. There is something for everyone to help make the most of their stay here. Please feel free to send them the link from our website, all the itineraries can be found here:
Visit South Somerset Itineraries, Leaflets & Brochures
South Somerset Tourism Newsletter
The Tourism newsletter is no longer produced - please visit here for Somerset Business and Economy support
Previous editions of the newsletter can be accessed here
tourism newsletter Spring 2024- Update about the closing of the South Somerset Visitor Information Centre and end of support for Somerset Tourism
Tourism newsletter Winter 2023 - including seasonal greetings
Tourism newsletter Autumn 2023 - including details about the FREE digital business support and other support opportunities
Tourism Newsletter Summer 2023 - including details about the Free Promotional Material and call out for Green, Sustainable, Eco-friendly Businesses.
Tourism Newsletter Spring 2023 - including details about the South Somerset Tourism Showcase and business support.
General Business Support and Advice
Whether you are looking to start a tourism-related business in South Somerset or to grow and expand your existing business there is a wide selection of help and support available from the Council and other organisations.
Somerset Council's Business and Economy team is available to help businesses and employees. They work with partners to help with advice and support in the following areas:
- Business support,
- accessing grants and loans,
- broadband, employment and skills,
- relocating to the area,
- regeneration of our towns
- general business guidance.
Environmental Health can help with queries regarding registering any new business, especially those offering food and drink. This would for example include hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses. They can offer advice regarding what new and existing businesses need to do and how to ensure that you are safe and legal.
Licensing supports all businesses with the legal requirements regarding licenses, such as events, campsites and different premises licenses.
Planning assists with all planning and development management from pre-application to completion.
Business Rates help with details about the legal requirements and how to apply for Business Rate relief.
Please visit here for more information: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/business-economy-and-licences/
External Links and Sources of Information
Heart of the South West Growth Hub has a wealth of information on its website from Covid toolkits, GDPR resources to information about starting up or scaling up a business. The event and workshop pages offer a selection from cyber and digital skills to women’s networking events
Visit England / Visit Britain trade pages have research statistics, promotional opportunities, and Industry standards. There is also a comprehensive section on starting a business, legal obligations, and understanding health and safety.
We highly recommend all visitor accommodation and tourism businesses be accessed and registered with one or more of the relevant accreditation bodies, not only does it maximise promotional and commercial opportunities but offers reassurance to the customer.
AA Assessment Scheme has assessed businesses since 1908 and covers hotel, guest accommodation, caravan and camping, self-catering and serviced accommodation plus the restaurant rosette awards. In addition to the assessments, they offer different packages of membership and advertising.
Visit England Quality Assessment cover a wider range of accommodation categories as well as the national accessibility, taste scheme and various welcome schemes; walkers, cyclists, families, welcome pets and One Step ahead.
Quality in Tourism has a more flexible approach, which might be more appropriate. The assessments offer a basic package called Safe, Clean & legal, Great4 accolades for accommodation, activities and events, mystery shoppers and REST for businesses wanting to measure and promote their sustainability ethos.
Green Tourism is available for accommodation and attractions and includes a handy green check quiz to complete before starting the application process.
Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism awards are held annually and are free and easy to enter. Winners receive marketing and PR opportunities, but even entering the awards brings many benefits including the mystery visit reports.
Government Support
The government website is regularly updated and includes details about the current business support, the latest legislation and guidance and the latest announcements.
