Resort to get own tourism officer

News Archive > General > Resort to get own tourism officer

25/08/2010

ex-head of tourism for Restormel, Paul Wright, gave his support to the plans.

He said: “There were tragic circumstances last year and I think there needs to be a dedicated professional who can handle the media sensibly.  

“It’s a good thing that Newquay is going to get a new tourism officer, and I am sure the resort will benefit.

“I love Newquay, and I am very proud of it.  I just want the resort to flourish, because I believe that’s what it deserves.”

Mr Wright admits that he was baffled when the council originally decided to disband the department, such was the importance of the position to Newquay.

He continued: “With Newquay being one of the top resorts in the country, we need a tourism department to promote it and, when needed, defend the resort on record.  

“There’s always been a lot of negative publicity and we used to combat that, trying to put things in perspective, but unfortunately Newquay, like other resorts across the country, is suffering from society’s ills.”

Trevelgue Holiday Park chief Mike Finnigan stated that whoever took on the role would have some “tough decisions” to make, and is concerned that the officer will cater for the full range of visitors that Newquay caters for.

He commented: “It seems we have gone almost full circle after 2006, as the council has now discovered that in fact we do need a tourism officer. How much damage has been done in the mean time?  

“I would hope that the officer will be somebody with substantial experience in the area. The economic climate at the moment is very tough, and they need to understand the resort and be prepared to make some tough decisions.

“We have got a family market but we have also got a singles market, and we cannot pretend that we have one without the other.”

Veryan Armstrong, head of sales and revenue at the Headland Hotel, called the news a “fantastic opportunity for Newquay to really develop as the jewel in the crown of the Visit Cornwall brand”, but tourist attraction owner Mike McLaren was suspicious of the move. Mr McLaren stated: “The council’s record to date, judging by this season’s visitor numbers, is nothing to write home about.

“If we had somebody in the mould of Paul Wright it would probably make a new and worthwhile addition for the town, but I would have great reservations about their capabilities of marketing Newquay in a representative manner.

“If it’s a Cornwall Council appointment, the Newquay officer needs to be given complete freedom from the views of the council.”