A showcase of tourism in North Norfolk bucked the recession to bring 500 visitors to the county - with thousands more hopefully to follow.More than 450 tourism-based businesses attended the one-day trade show North Norfolk Simply Outstanding at Gresham's School in Holt last week, networking and building links with local businesses.

A showcase of tourism in North Norfolk bucked the recession to bring 500 visitors to the county - with thousands more hopefully to follow.

More than 450 tourism-based businesses attended the one-day trade show North Norfolk Simply Outstanding at Gresham's School in Holt last week, networking and building links with local businesses.

The mood was positive in the 90ft marquee, with a steady stream of visitors through the gates to meet with 64 exhibitors, including North Norfolk attractions, farms and food producers.

North Norfolk business forum chairman Ian Doughty said: 'It's been a very good day here. There is a real feeling of confidence and positivity about the coming year.'

David Hunter, chairman of the tourism roundtable, said: 'The committee has put a lot of hard work into organising an event that reflects the quality, diversity and the nature of tourism and businesses in North Norfolk.

'There are encouraging signs for this year, especially the number of pre-bookings and reservations, but it's early days. If more people are going to be holidaying in this country we have to put our case forward as to why people should come to Norfolk. The mood is buoyant but we have no room for complacency.'

Event organiser Bruce Stratton said the event offered a marvellous opportunity to get local businesses working together to beat the economic downturn.

He said: 'The tourism product is fine and I am confident in the coming season, but the next thing is to look at all the businesses in the area and help them work together to do better.

'If we can encourage local businesses to buy local then the money stays local, as well as saving on transport and taking more care of the environment.'