SOMERSET'S best kept secrets and hidden gems are about to be shared nationwide and abroad in a multi-media campaign designed to boost its tourism industry.

Tourism bosses want businesses to boost the campaign by using social media to engage wider audiences and create awareness of what Somerset and Exmoor have to offer.

Local tourism businesses are being asked to join in three campaigns during the peak holiday seasons – summer, autumn half-term and Christmas.

The initiatives will promote Somerset and Exmoor as a great value ‘2in1’ holiday for families and people seeking rest and relaxation.

From Somerset’s beautiful beaches to Exmoor’s wild atmospheric moorland beauty and from exploring medieval buildings to horse riding on the levels - Somerset and Exmoor offer plenty of activities including rock climbing, windsurfing and thrilling coasteering on England's highest coastline.

For foodies the area offers top quality produce, including Cheddar cheese, cider, Exmoor lamb, smoked eels and whortleberry jam.

Tourist businesses wishing to get involved should follow @visitsomerset @secretsomerset and @visitexmoor, using the hashtags #secretsomerset, #exploreexmoor, #2in1, as well as encouraging visitors to post feedback and images on Trip Advisor.

The campaign will also join in with #somersethour and launch #secretsomersetsaturday to encourage businesses to share offers, ideas, events and experiences – as well as pictures on social media.

There’ll be a prize for the business that regularly shares and retweets pictures, content and experiences with @secretsomerset – a day's PR advice from creative communications company Onshore Media.

Visit Somerset chief executive officer John Turner said: “There is so much more to Somerset and Exmoor than most people know and we want to spread the word around the country and the world.

“There is an army of wonderful people involved in our tourism industry and together we can reveal all those hidden treasures we know visitors will love.

“Somerset offers two different types of holiday in one location. Our beautiful Jurassic beaches and historic coastal towns and villages like Burnham-On-Sea, Minehead and Watchet as well as our stunning moorland with its abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery.

“Hidden on the moors and along the coast are some true marvels, just waiting to be discovered. We need to join forces to make the loudest noise with as many people as possible getting involved.

“Our experience with recent campaigns shows that if businesses get behind it, the campaign will have much more impact and bring more business for everyone.

"So not only is it good for the local economy but it’s good to share with a wider audience. Somerset has kept its secrets for too long.”

This project is funded by Natural England and the Hinkley Tourism Action Partnership of EDF Energy, Somerset County Council, Sedgemoor District Council, West Somerset Council, Visit Somerset, Exmoor National Park Authority and Visit Exmoor.