Sad news for Cornwall

Soon after the demise of Visit Kent comes the sad news that Visit Cornwall has suffered the same fate.

For the government to sit idly by and watch the collapse of the tourism effort in two counties that attract so many visitors is astonishing to me. There are many businesses; hotels, restaurants, visitor attractions, surf schools and many more that rely on the visitor economy, and they will now be facing a year where there is no team of capable people promoting the region.

A 45% reduction in the tourism budget was always going to have a negative impact, but surely the Government underestimated just how much of a catastrophe it would be.

Comparing the UK’s attitude to tourism with other nations around the world is truly embarrassing and hopelessly short sighted.

Fortunately for golf tourism in the region, it is blessed with world class destinations like Trevose Golf Club, St. Enodoc and Perranporth Golf Club, and stunning hotels like The Headland Cornwall in Newquay and Carlyon Bay Hotel, Spa and Golf in St. Austell, which are truly exceptional and are recognised as such, so in a niche market they will be able to maintain some momentum. However, many smaller, less well known attractions will really suffer, such as the castles, gardens, museums and railways. And that’s a real shame. Let’s hope someone in government recognises the potential damage that will occur very soon.