Tourism Summit Brings Industry Leaders Together in Cornwall

Tourism Summit Signals Big Shift for Cornwall’s Visitor Economy

A major summit focused on the visitor economy has been described as a “huge moment” for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, bringing together businesses and organisations at a key time for the sector.

More than 200 people attended the Tourism Summit, held at the Eden Project on Tuesday 27th January. The event followed the loss of Visit Cornwall and aimed to look ahead at how the region promotes itself and supports tourism businesses in the future.

Industry leaders gather at Eden Project

The summit featured talks from Kate Nicholls, Chair of UK Hospitality, and Andrew Stokes OBE, Director of Visit England. Leading figures from across the sector also shared updates on current work to support the industry and promote the region.

Councillor Sarah Preece, cabinet member with responsibility for Tourism at Cornwall Council, said the event marked an important milestone.

“This is a huge moment for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly,” said Sarah.
“It’s so important that we listen to the businesses, associations, organisations and representatives from across the sector. 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.”

Shaping what comes next

During the day, the results of a recent visitor economy survey were discussed, alongside a series of workshops. Attendees shared their views on what a new destination organisation for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly could look like.

Key themes to emerge included collaboration, representation and innovation.

Andy Jasper, CEO of the Eden Project, said hosting the summit was a proud moment.

“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 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. The charity Eden Project is proud to champion what makes Cornwall special and, for the people who live here, for those who visit and for the strength of the wider UK visitor economy, this summit is just the start of great things to come.”

📷Credit: Cornwall Council

Strong momentum across the sector

Mark Lewin, director of the Cornwall Hospitality Collective, said the atmosphere in the room was encouraging.

“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. I’m hugely encouraged by the direction of travel.

“As a sector that employs and nurtures so much local talent, hospitality has a vital role to play in developing the skills and career pathways our communities need. The summit’s discussions showed just how focused we all are on creating the conditions for the next generation to thrive here in Cornwall and ensure we have a strong and sustainable visitor economy.”

Laura Plum, marketing and communications director at St Austell Brewery, described the summit as a turning point.

“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.

“As one of the region’s largest employers and a proud champion of Cornish hospitality, we are hugely supportive of playing a part in uniting with the wider sector and getting behind a shared vision for the future.

“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. This is a moment to be bold and ensure Cornwall continues to be a place that visitors, residents and businesses can all thrive.”

📷Credit: Cornwall Council