Cornwall Locals say the county was “so empty.” sightseeing Chief predicts the year of visitor bumper. Chairman Jon Hyatt, visiting Cornwall, condemned the peak cost of living and bad weather in the wake of a decline in visitors last year.
Figures released earlier this year show that visitor numbers in the southwest England fell by 10-12% in 2024, a situation reportedly reflected in Cornwall. “I think we're heading for a strong summer, and all the metrics are heading for a good season,” Hyatt said ahead of this holiday season.
His optimism was reflected by Newquay Business Improvement District Manager Mark Warren. He said Cornwall Live On Easter, High Street saw a “good” scaffolding, and there was a healthy influx of visitors at the beginning of the year.
However, locals told the same publication that they were not so sure. “I've never seen Cornwall get so empty,” said local David Pritchard.
Local fellow Christopher Martin said Cornwall was “undetectedly not busy,” adding:
“I don't think people can afford to go out that much because they're being charged a scary price. It's easy to jump on a plane and be comprehensive for half the price.”
Mick Taylor agreed, saying the place to stay in the county is still “very expensive.” He said this is why people didn't eat out as much as they thought the restaurant could still charge the best price.
He said: “I'm sure some people will get through the summer, but I'm waiting for it to close between September and October.”
Timothy Lindsley asked: “Why do you think spending is generally declining?
“It's cheaper to go abroad. It lowers the price and makes it more attractive to people. This is one of the poorest regions in Northern Europe. Unfortunately, people don't expect to pay a lot of money to visit.”
Cornwall's tourism industry has faced many headwinds since the post-Covid surge in visitor numbers. Employers' national insurance contributions increased in April, with high energy prices spending operations across the county, including the hospitality sector.
According to figures from real estate data provider Co Star TelecommunicationsResearch shows that the amount that Cornwall hoteliers bring from each room is lower than their rival destinations.
Hoteliers in Devon and Cornwall averaged £66.41 per room last year, compared to the UK average of £94.57.
However, hoteliers still need to pay their bills, and during the relatively short holiday season on the Cornwall hotel budget, visitors need to grow even further than they can come throughout the year.
This makes a successful summer season even more important for businesses that rely on Cornwall's tourism sector.
