Cornwall, long celebrated as the crown jewel of the British seaside holiday, is facing an alarming downturn in both staycations and overall visitor numbers. As costs soar and anti-tourism sentiment grows, many are worried about the future of the area’s vital tourism sector, which supports a significant portion of the local economy.
Key Takeaways
- Cornwall’s visitor numbers have dropped by up to 12% in 2024.
- High accommodation costs and the unpredictable British weather are major factors driving tourists away.
- The closure of Cornwall’s official tourist board underscores industry concerns.
- Many locals are divided, some welcoming fewer tourists while businesses face hardship.
Historic Drop in Tourists
Cornwall has experienced one of its worst summers for tourism in a decade. Once bustling towns like St Ives have seen noticeably emptier streets and harbours, with business owners reporting sharp declines in earnings. Data suggests a 10-12% reduction in visitors this year, following an equally challenging 2023.
The cost-of-living crisis in the UK, combined with the unpredictable British weather, is steering would-be visitors to more affordable and sunnier destinations abroad, such as Spain and Greece. Locals point to higher accommodation prices—especially for Airbnbs and holiday lets—as a primary deterrent, with some claiming that a week in Cornwall now rivals the price of an all-inclusive trip overseas.
Economic Impact and Local Voices
The blow to Cornwall’s tourism comes at a critical time. Tourism is worth up to £2 billion a year, accounting for nearly 20% of the local economy. Shopkeepers and workers express deep concern, highlighting that few employment options exist outside the tourism and hospitality sector. One notable repercussion of the downturn is the liquidation of Visit Cornwall, the area’s official tourist board, which recently ceased operations due to insurmountable financial difficulties.
Locals are conflicted. While some residents feel relief at fewer crowds and a return to quieter towns, others—particularly those dependent on tourist income—warn of mounting hardship. The surge in second-home ownership for holiday lets is blamed for driving up prices and limiting accessible housing for both locals and holidaymakers.
What’s Next for Cornwall?
Observers suggest Cornwall needs to adapt if it hopes to recover. Suggestions include targeting off-season travellers, improving infrastructure, and reassessing pricing to remain competitive. Travel experts argue the region can still appeal to visitors if it emphasises its unique landscapes, coastal beauty, dining experiences, and rich culture—especially outside the peak summer months.
However, unless Cornwall can balance local sentiment and economic necessity, the region may have to brace for further economic challenges, underlining the delicate relationship between tourism and community well-being.
Sources
- Cornwall is ‘pricing itself out’ as number of staycations drop, Cornwall Live.
- Is Cornwall getting its comeuppance? Residents complained tourists turned their seaside towns into ‘hell on
earth’… but now visitor numbers have plummeted to lowest for a DECADE, Daily Mail.
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Tourism Slump in Cornwall: Fears Grow as Staycation Drop Hits Local Economy