Exmoor was designated a National Park in 1954. The National Park Authority works with partners to deliver against the statutory purposes of the National Park:

• To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area
• To promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area

In delivering these purposes the Authority has a duty to foster the social and economic wellbeing of local communities.

The Authority’s support for the development of sustainable tourism provides an opportunity to deliver against these purposes and duty. The Authority facilitates a 5 year statutory management Plan for the National Park (the Exmoor Partnership Plan) which sets out objectives and actions between different partners towards a shared vision. Managing tourism well is a consistent theme within these plans and the Authority works with bodies such as Visit Exmoor and the broader Exmoor Tourism Network.