Cornwall's tourism sector is grappling with a significant downturn, reaching a ten-year low in visitor numbers. Jon Hyatt, head of Visit Cornwall, has expressed a commitment to 'bounce back' after a challenging year, but the statistics reveal a stark reality: visitor numbers remained flat throughout 2024, indicating a persistent struggle for the region [d6303706].
Tim Jones, chair of the South West Business Council, highlighted that tourism in southwest England is currently at its lowest point in a decade, underscoring the broader implications for the local economy [d6303706]. Tourism is a vital component of Cornwall's economy, accounting for 15% of its total output, generating approximately £2 billion annually, and supporting over 35,000 jobs [d6303706].
Malcolm Bell, a prominent figure in the tourism industry, attributed the decline to several factors, including poor weather conditions, the upcoming general election, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis that has affected consumer spending [d6303706]. Furthermore, Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, warned that impending tax increases set to take effect in April could further jeopardize small businesses in the region, compounding the challenges faced by the tourism sector [d6303706].
Despite these setbacks, it is noteworthy that the UK was ranked as the seventh most visited country in 2023, suggesting that while Cornwall struggles, the broader national tourism landscape remains competitive [d6303706]. The combination of these factors paints a concerning picture for Cornwall's tourism industry, prompting urgent calls for strategic interventions to revitalize this crucial economic sector.