The English Riviera Airshow has been hailed a soaring success after bringing an estimated £5 million to the local economy.
The three-day event brought tens of thousands of people into Torbay, and tourism chiefs say money invested by sponsors has been well spent.
Carolyn Custerson, chief executive of the English Riviera BID company which represents the tourism sector, said: “The value of the airshow to the English Riviera visitor economy can never be underestimated.
“For every pound invested, we see around a £15 return, equating to around £5 million for the area in just one weekend.
“We’re seeing more and more people coming into the area for the airshow weekend, and early indications from accommodation providers are that many have been at full capacity.
“That’s a brilliant start to the 2025 holiday season after a challenging couple of years.”
Torbay’s tourist trade has been fighting back after the double blow of the Covid pandemic followed by last year’s cryptosporidium outbreak in and around Brixham. Publicity surrounding that cost hospitality businesses millions of pounds in lost trade.
But the airshow has been hailed a huge success.
“By investing in the airshow and other seasonal events, we can keep tourism businesses and services open all year round,” said Mrs Custerson. “This keeps local people in employment, demonstrating that our resort is not just open for the summer.”
The festivities began on Friday night with a Spitfire flypast, night flying and fireworks, then moved on to a full programme including the RAF Red Arrows on Saturday and Sunday.
Cllr Jackie Thomas (Con, Kings Ash) is Torbay Council’s cabinet member for tourism, culture and events. She said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support and dedication of our sponsors, event partners, and volunteers. Without their support and contributions, we would not be able to keep bringing you this event.
“The sentiment and support we have seen and heard from those that attended this year’s Airshow is truly appreciated.
“Our aim is to keep growing this event year on year and we hope to be able to announce soon dates for the 2026 English Riviera Airshow, which will mark 10 years of this phenomenal event.”
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It was a busy weekend for the Torbay RNLI volunteer crews.
