Hoteliers, businesses and tour operators in West Somerset are breathing a sigh of relief after the future of a vital tourism brochure was secured.

Troubled Exmoor Coast and Country is the definitive guide to pubs, accommodation, shops and attractions in the area and is a lifeline for local businesses to promote their services.

The publication was under threat last year when it was announced that the 2008 edition of the booklet had been scrapped after a row over funding between the Exmoor Coast and Country Ltd, the firm behind the booklet, and West Somerset's tourism organisation Visit Exmoor.

But the brochure was saved at the eleventh hour by Exmoor Tourist Association (ETA) and West Somerset Council, who forged an alliance to ensure its future and protect the tourist trade.

And after months of hard work, the board of Exmoor Coast and Country Ltd has launched the 2009 edition, boosting businesses and the local economy.

Council leader Keith Ross said: "We are delighted that we have been able to produce the guide again this year, and we are very pleased with the support it has received from local advertisers.

"Given the current economic uncertainty, it may be tempting to cut advertising costs but local businesses have chosen to support the guide.

"Tourism plays a vital part in the local economy, and Exmoor Coast and Country plays an important role in promoting Exmoor and West Somerset's coastal area.

Hoteliers launched a petition to save the brochure last year and are thrilled that it will continue to promote the area's reputation as the jewel in the crown of the South West's tourist industry. Exmoor Coast and Country's, Anthony Brunt, said: "We are really pleased to launch the 2009 guide.

"It stands out at shows and exhibitions for its excellent quality, which makes it very popular and gives high expectations for all those planning to visit the area.

"It is now up to everyone in the tourism sector to ensure those high expectations are fulfilled."

Mr Brunt also said that the turbulent financial times that have seen the pound drop to its lowest ever level against the euro could bring benefits for the tourism trade in the West.

He added: "We will also be able to use the guide to promote Exmoor at tourism trade shows early in the New Year. Indeed, with the pound at such a low against the dollar and the euro, there has never been a better time for visitors from abroad to come to Exmoor, and we aim to promote the area as widely as possible."

More than 80,000 copies of the guide are distributed throughout the UK it has become one of the main directories for places to stay and visit.