Cornwall Live readers have been discussing an industry expert’s claim that tourism in the South West is at its lowest level for a decade. Cornish businesses are now giving their views on what needs to be done to change the situation.
Often hailed as a world-class holiday destination, Cornwall has seen a recent boom in tourism, but insiders suggest this trend could be changing. Readers have voiced their opinions in our comments section.
Tim Jones, chairman of the South West Business Council, told the BBC that businesses continued to struggle with staffing issues and visitor numbers were falling due to the cost of living crisis. Local business owners have suggested a number of ways to boost trade, including giving grants to more small businesses, greater economic stability and improving public transport links.
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Commentator ang66 says: “The weather has a lot to do with it, and it’s very expensive to come here. You can go abroad for a lot less and have guaranteed sun.” inlikeflynn agrees: “In June I could have got 7 nights in Europe and/or Morocco for around £400, with flights. Needs planning but doable. For £400 I might get a hotel room for four nights in Newquay.”
Captain Nick says: “We are currently on a campsite in Spain: top-notch pitches, huge swimming pools, free entertainment, excellent on-site restaurant, electricity included, €17 per night! Left the UK a month ago – Dorset pitch, pitch and shower block, £35 per night. I wonder why British hospitality is in a bad way?!” Botcanu agrees: “Even on a basic campsite, prices for a night have shot up. Camping used to be a cheap way to holiday, but not anymore.”
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KentuckyRain writes: “The market is changing: RVs, Airbnb and self-catering are more common, hotels and B&Bs less so. Pubs and restaurants have put themselves out of business, partly due to their rising costs. Eating out for a family of four is hugely expensive, unless you resort to fast food. Government at all levels are increasing these costs as often as they can. Compare the price of a week’s holiday anywhere in the UK with a week abroad… and you can more or less rely on the weather there too. It’s a perfect storm.”
Dis1954 agrees: “If we listen to the local news over the last year, we find many articles complaining that holidaymakers are ruining certain resorts, that planning permissions for hotels are being refused and now, strangely, people in the industry are complaining that they cannot make a living unless we support them with grants. In this case, your business model is flawed. Pick any reasonable hotel in, say, Newquay for a family of four in July or August and do the same for a comparable holiday in Greece or Spain. The difference in price will surprise you.”
Don O’Treply said: “This is the perfect example of supply and demand in action. Massive demand and limited supply have driven prices up so much in recent years that Cornwall has now effectively priced itself out of its own market and other holiday destinations have become more attractive. Prices will collapse for a while and then recover. I’m not sure Visit Cornwall did Cornwall any favours by saying we need fewer but more budget-conscious tourists.”
Tiz me replies: “Well, considering the prices that were being charged after the lockdown and the fact that it is a supply and demand issue, surely the lack of demand will lead to a reduction in prices and therefore an increase in bookings????”
Baggyboatee says: “Visitors still want to come to Cornwall. Great! So businesses should try to do more specials, reduce prices here and there, and maybe more visitors and locals will take part.” Papasmurf doesn’t think a decline is necessarily a bad thing for Cornwall: “Overtourism needs to stop, it takes up almost all the housing, so businesses can’t find staff because there’s no accommodation for staff. Tourists who can’t spend money because they’ve been ripped off by the high cost of accommodation are useless to local businesses anyway.”
MeAgain103 blames the business owners: “You got what you wanted. All you do is moan about people coming and spending money. This year is going to be the hardest for you. Let’s see what they say next year.”
Happydaz has the last word: “You’d think all the tourists would go somewhere else, but no, they’re still here in droves. In fact, a few business owners I know have had their best sales in years so far this year, so it’s not that bad.”
What do you think about this topic? Will you be holidaying in Cornwall this year? Let us know your thoughts in our comments section.