Cornwall Tourism Summit to focus on post-visit Cornwall future
Cornwall Council will host a major Tourism Summit tomorrow, Tuesday 27 January 2026, as the county’s visitor economy looks to reset following the closure of Visit Cornwall.
The day-long event will take place at the Eden Project in St Austell, running from 9.30am to 3.30pm, and is being described as a key moment in shaping the future direction of Cornwall’s tourism industry.
The summit will focus on the development of a new Destination Management Organisation (DMO) to replace Visit Cornwall, alongside discussions on a county-wide marketing strategy under the proposed banner of “Brand Cornwall”.
Council leaders say the aim is to move towards a more sustainable, year-round tourism model that supports job security, balances visitor numbers and better manages the pressures tourism places on local communities.
Businesses from across the sector are expected to attend, including representatives from hospitality, food and drink, attractions and local tourism operators.
The meeting follows a difficult year for the industry, with tourist numbers in 2025 reported to have fallen by around 10%, adding urgency to the need for a coordinated recovery plan.
Alongside the summit, Cornwall Council is also inviting Expressions of Interest for up to £100,000 in community funding, with applications open until 27 February. The funding could support projects aimed at improving local areas for both residents and visitors.
The event comes as Councillor Sarah Preece begins her role overseeing tourism, localism and planning, with the summit seen as an early opportunity to set a new direction for the sector.
Council officials say the gathering is intended to mark the start of a more collaborative approach to destination management, bringing together public and private partners to help steer Cornwall’s tourism industry into its next phase.