Somerset's tourist economy is under threat from Government secrecy over the badger cull, tourist leaders have warned.
John Turner, vice-chairman of Somerset Tourism Association said yesterday: "A large number of people are contacting the Visit Somerset twitter and Facebook feed very concerned about the Somerset badger cull happening in July/ August.
"Many claim to have cancelled holidays in Somerset and others are threatening to do so. Whatever our personal feelings are, the economic damage for the region could be really serious as tourists begin to boycott Somerset in the wake of these developments.
"They are claiming that they do not support counties that support the slaughter and will holiday elsewhere with fear of guns going off in the night and the negative atmosphere that this will create, let alone the needless slaughter as they call it."
Bob Smart, STA chairman, said the association cannot offer any advice on which areas such people should avoid because the Government is keeping the locations secret. As a result those who disagree with the cull could boycott the entire county.
Mr Smart said: "Since this time last year I have received objections from around 200 people, almost all of whom have copied the identical form of opposition circulated by one or other of the organisations who are opposed to the cull. There are very deep feelings on this issue. I don't know or understand how widespread those feelings are in the general population and what effect those views could have on the local tourist industry but we are left in a very difficult position.
"The Somerset Tourist Association does not have a policy on this but we would like to be able to give information to people so that they can make an informed decision about their holidays. I have spoken to Government ministers and local MPs and to Defra and to English Nature and they all say we are not giving out any information. The present situation is not doing us any good."
Last November Mr Smart told members at the association's third annual conference that Somerset was holding its own against tough international competition despite dreadful summer weather and the pull to London of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The culls to fight bovine TB are set to go ahead in West Somerset and West Gloucestershire, with Dorset standing as first reserve.
More than 5,000 badgers could be culled during this year's programme.
The cull has been welcomed by West Country dairy farmers but conservationists, including the RSPCA, BBC's Springwatch presenter Chris Packham, and former Queen guitarist Brian May, who owns nature reserve land in Dorset, have condemned the move.
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said last month: "I know there is great strength of feeling on badger culling, but I also know that we need to take action now before the situation deteriorates even further."
