Multi-million boost for resort
News Archive > General > Multi-million boost for resort
NEWQUAY looks to be recovering strongly from a tourism dip in 2010, according to national tourist board figures released this week.
VisitEngland states the resort received 545,000 visitors last year, in contrast to just 441,000 in 2010 and 526,000 in 2009.
The organisation estimates tourists spent £208 million in Newquay in 2011, compared to £128 million in 2010, which is an £80 million windfall and equates to a 63% rise.
VisitEngland rates the resort as the 11th highest in the entire country for the number of holiday trips made to a destination, which beats Brighton, Bath, Bristol and Torquay.
The most frequently visited destination tourists visited was London, followed by Scarborough and Blackpool.
The national tourist board survey states Newquay is ranked fifth in the country for the highest holiday trip spend, which is above rivals such as Bournemouth, Great Yarmouth and Skegness.
Tourism bosses believe Newquay has seen a tourism boom following efforts to reposition the resort’s image, which is being undertaken by VisitNewquay, Newquay Safe, the Business Improvement District (BID) and various businesses in the resort.
Steve Kessell, from VisitNewquay, said: “Newquay is showing a 24% increase in holiday trips between 2010 and 2011, and a massive 63% increase in spend between the same period, putting Newquay in the top five destinations for spend in the UK.
“Interestingly, over the same period Blackpool, our major reContinued from Page One
-sort competitor, has shown a 14% decrease in spend and an 8% decrease in trips.
“Far be it for me to say it, but this may be an early pointer of results from the re-positioning of Newquay as a leading seaside resort rather than the naughty boy on the block and could also possibly reflect the quality and investment that the tourism trade and councils are making in terms of product and reputation and validates the push for quality in all areas.
“Further, the 2011 figure of 545,000 holiday trips gives a pointer to our visitor numbers – our
visitor research shows 51% of visitors come as a family, which is around 1.1 million visitors.
"At the very least 49% are coming as couples which is another 500,000, so as a minimum I think we can say 1.5 million visitors a year are coming.
"Cornwall attracts 4.5 million visitors a year – this gives Newquay over 25% of all visitors to
Cornwall.
“The figures are very, very welcome and all of Newquay’s quality tourism operators should be congratulated.
“Newquay remains one of the nation’s favourite seaside resorts and this is reflected in the figures. VisitNewquay is determined to continue promoting and marketing the town in partnership with the tourism trade and other initiatives such as Newquay Safe and BID and build on the confidence these figures should create.”
Newquay Mayor Kevin Towill said: “The figures are great news and evidence of the hard work that VisitNewquay, Newquay Safe and especially the private sector have put into the re-branding of our town.
“I do not think we should forget the private sector and small and medium-sized businesses who are taking risks by investing money and working hard in these tough economic times.”
But not every business believes Newquay benefited greatly last year.
Alan Thain, of Truscott’s Fish and Chip Shop on Fore Street, said: “Looking at the empty shops in the town it is hard to believe there has been a boom.
“I’m not qualified to talk for the whole town but we did not do any better in 2011 than the year before.
“I do not think it is right. We would have noticed it if the town was booming. The only week now when the town is really busy is during the Boardmasters. That’s it. Years ago every day in the summer would be busy.”
4 Comments
| #1 29/06/2012 04:51 | Jill dumenil commented... Good to see that more people are coming back to visit Newquay. Just get rid of the Lap dancing clubs and a few less night clubs,then more families will return to Newquay. I was home in March and April and noticed the shop fronts from Central Square along Fore Street needed a good clean .People do notice things like that.When I grew up in Newquay the Town was so clean and safe,The Tourists came at a rate of 100,000 a week. |
| #2 07/07/2012 17:53 | Alan commented... Fully agree with Jill´s comments have been coming to Newquay do not go near town centre as just full of tacky pubs and run down shops |
| #3 16/07/2012 16:38 | Rodrigo commented... As a resident of San Diego, my failmy and I enjoy visiting the San Diego Zoo to visit the exotic animals. We also like to visit Seaworld to learn about all the marine animals and mammals. Lego Land is another fun place to go. My favorite ride is the large firetrucks while racing them back and forth against others. Balboa Park is probably the place that has the most variety in one place. We can visit the world by going to the international homes, listen to some music at the organ cathedral; we also enjoy the Japanese garden. Another fun thing to do is board the U.S Midway Carrier. I think the most recent taping of American Idol filmed on the ship. Finally, the beaches are great. There are many to choose from such as Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, Imperial Beach, or just head west on the 8 freeway and follow the signs that say beach. |
| #4 24/10/2012 19:09 | Adam Gribble commented... its nice to see how Newquay is being re-branded. and is not perceived as one of cornwalls CHAV mekkas as once read a few years, sadly RTTS has been over tamed, because muppets ran a mock and got too extreme. The town centre does need a shiny new lick of paint and a clean up, however i do not think targeting lap dancing clubs will aid the town. If i remember when Halos was open, it was descrete, central and rather pricey so didnt attract any un wanted visitors. the one thing that needs to change is there perception of drinking in the town, and how to do it properly and enjoy a good night. not encouraged to drink fast, drop quick, and fall into one of many lines of taxis home. This would lead to a matured and older generation of visitors in mid 20´s to 30´s visiting a sophistcated relaxed seaside town. like the impressive clampdown on families and children with alcohol entering last year. parents encouraging their youths to drink. thankyou |
