Cornwall, a beloved summer destination known for its stunning beaches and picturesque landscapes, is experiencing an unexpected lull in tourism this year.
As the height of the summer season typically draws visitors in droves, this year has been quieter than usual, raising concerns among local businesses and tourism officials.
This decline in domestic holidaymakers is particularly surprising given the intense heatwaves sweeping across Europe, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C in popular destinations like Spain, Greece, and Italy.
Such extreme heat could have been expected to drive more tourists to the cooler climes of the UK, but this has not been the case.
Cornwall is not alone in facing this challenge, neighbouring Devon is also experiencing a downturn.
The region’s tourist board has forecasted a 10 to 15 percent drop in visitation compared to last year.
Readers of Cornwall Live have shared their perspectives in the comments section, with some noting that certain areas still seem busy despite the overall decline.
Several commenters cited high accommodation prices and the negative attitudes of some locals towards tourists as reasons for the decline.
“Accommodation prices are ludicrously high, so I expect fewer are using holiday rentals, hotels or B&Bs,” noted one reader.
Another added: “I decided not to return to Cornwall due to the negative attitude of the locals who seem to hate tourists.”
“Seems packed to me, at least on the coast. Parking anywhere for the beach is very difficult,” wrote one commenter, while others pointed out that many tourists might be opting for more affordable options like campsites or motorhomes instead of traditional accommodations.
Others expressed frustration with what they perceive as a missed opportunity for Cornwall’s hospitality sector to win over new visitors during the pandemic years.
Environmental concerns have also been raised, with some commenters highlighting issues like sewage warnings on Cornwall’s beaches as a deterrent for visitors.”
“Many come for Cornwall’s beaches… which now have sewage warnings!” one reader pointed out.
Malcolm Bell, chairman of Visit Cornwall attributed the downturn to the soaring cost of living and cooler-than-usual weather, both of which have likely altered traditional holiday-making patterns.
However, Bell remains optimistic, noting that travelers are increasingly booking holidays at the last minute.
“The weather and the cost of living means that we are slightly below where we’d expect to be, but bookings are incredibly late, often within a week of people arriving, so there is still much to play for this summer,” Bell commented.