Tourism summit 'huge moment', says Cornwall Council
Talks on the future of Cornwall tourism were held this week at the Eden Project
A summit aimed at shaping the future of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s visitor economy took place at the Eden Project on 27th January.
Over 200 attendees came together for discussions on how to support the region’s tourism industry following the closure of Visit Cornwall.
Key speakers included Kate Nicholls, Chair of UK Hospitality, and Andrew Stokes OBE, Director of Visit England, alongside updates from leading figures in the sector.
Councillor Sarah Preece, cabinet member with responsibility for Tourism at Cornwall Council, described the summit as “a huge moment” for the area's tourism efforts.
“It’s so important that we listen to the businesses, associations, organisations and representatives from across the sector,” Councillor Preece said.
“The summit brought those voices together and marked a key milestone in our journey to determine what comes next. By working together and harnessing the enthusiasm from the summit, we can now look at the next steps in creating a sustainable platform to help the sector thrive for decades to come.”
Visitor economy survey and workshops
Results from a recent visitor economy survey were discussed, and attendees participated in workshops exploring what a new destination organisation for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly could look like.
Collaboration, representation, and innovation were highlighted as themes crucial to shaping the future of tourism in the region.
Andy Jasper, The Eden Project CEO, emphasised the importance of the event: “We were so honoured to host this Tourism Summit, and it was just brilliant to see so many tourism-related businesses from across Cornwall come together to share ideas that are going to shape the future of tourism in the region.
“It is clear that the knowledge and experience in the room, the collaboration, energy and desire to support one another is what will make this new entity in Cornwall become successful.”
A shared vision for Cornwall tourism
Mark Lewin, director of Cornwall Hospitality Collective, expressed optimism following the summit.
“There was a real energy in the room at the Tourism Summit, and a strong sense of a desire for real momentum and a shared commitment to shaping a strong future for Cornwall,” Lewin said.
Laura Plum, marketing and communications director at St Austell Brewery, also stressed the importance of long-term sustainability for the region.
“The Tourism Summit felt like a genuine moment of reset for Cornwall. There was a real sense in the room that, while the challenges facing the sector are significant, this is also an opportunity to come together and shape what comes next,” Plum said.
"Tourism remains fundamental to Cornwall’s identity, economy and communities, and protecting its long-term sustainability will require clear leadership, collective responsibility and renewed investment in the county’s brand."