Cornwall Live readers have discussed an industry expert’s claim that tourism in the South West is at its lowest level for a decade, with Cornish businesses voicing their views on what needs to be done to turn things around.
Often hailed as a prime place to stay and holiday, Cornwall has recently enjoyed a boom in tourism. But insiders suggest that trend may be shifting. Readers have their say in our comments section.
Tim Jones, chairman of the South West Business Council, told the BBC that businesses were facing ongoing staffing and visitor numbers, which were being affected by the cost of living crisis. Local business owners have proposed a variety of ways to boost business, from giving grants to more small businesses, increasing economic stability and improving public transport links.
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Commenter ang66 thinks: “Weather has a lot to do with it, plus it’s very expensive to come here, you can go abroad for a lot less and get guaranteed sun.” inlikeflynn agrees: “I could have had 7 nights in Europe and/or Morocco in June for about £400 with flights. It takes planning, but it can be done. £400 can get me a hotel room for four nights in Newquay.”
captain nick says: “We are currently camping in Spain: first class pitching, huge pools, free entertainment, excellent restaurant on site, electricity at €17 per night! They left the UK a month ago – a £35 a night pitch and shower place in Dorset. Wondering why British hospitality is having a hard time?!” Botcanu feels the same way: “Even base camp has seen prices rocket by the night. Camping used to be a cheap way to go on holiday, but not anymore.’
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KentuckyRain writes, “The market is changing: more use of RVs, Airbnb and self-catering, less use of hotels and B&Bs. Pubs and restaurants went out of business, partly because of their skyrocketing costs. A family of four eating out is extremely expensive unless you go to fast food. Government at all levels increases these costs at every moment. Look at the price of a week’s holiday anywhere in the UK versus a week abroad….and you can pretty much guarantee the weather there too. It’s the perfect storm.”
Dis1954 agrees: “Listening to the local news over the past year we have had many articles complaining about holidaymakers ruining some resorts, refusing planning permission for hotels and now strangely people in the industry are complaining they can’t make a living. , unless of course we support them with grants. In that case your business model is flawed, pick any reasonable hotel in Newquay in July or August for a family of four, now do the same for any comparable holiday in Greece or Spain and you’ll be amazed at the price difference.’
Don O’Treply thinks: “This is a perfect example of supply and demand in action. Massive demand and insufficient supply have pushed prices up so much over the past few years that Cornwall has now effectively priced itself out of its own market, making other holidays more attractive. It collapses for a while and then comes back. I’m not sure Visit Cornwall has done Cornwall any favors by saying we need fewer but more valuable tourists.’
Tiz replies to me: “Given the prices that were charged after the lock-in and the fact that it was stated to be a supply and demand issue, surely a lack of demand will lead to a price drop and thus an increase in bookings???? “
Baggyboatee suggests: “Visitors still want to join us in Cornwall. Great! So businesses should try to do more specials, lower prices now and then and visitors and locals can participate more.” papasmurf doesn’t think the decline is necessarily a bad thing for Cornwall: “Over tourism has to stop, it’s taking up almost all housing, so businesses can’t hire because they don’t have a place to live.” Tourists who don’t have money to spend because they’ve been ripped off by the high cost of accommodation are just as useless to local businesses.”
MeAgain103 Blames Business Owners: “You got what you asked for. All you do here is moan about people coming in and spending money. This year will be the most difficult for you. So we’ll see what’s said here next year.”
happydaz has the last word: “Who would have thought all the tourists were going elsewhere, no they are still here in their droves, in fact a couple of business owners I know had their best business this year in years so it’s not all of them so bad.”
How do you feel about this issue? Will you be holidaying in Cornwall this year? Have your say in our comments section.