Tourism industry 'keen to bounce back'

Cornwall is "keen to bounce back in 2025" after a tough year in 2024, the head of its tourism board has said.

It comes as experts and businesses from across the sector are expected to attend a two-day tourism summit in Truro, which has been organised by Visit Cornwall.

Last year, Tim Jones, chairman of the South West Business Council, said tourism in the south-west of England was at its "lowest point for 10 years".

Jon Hyatt, chairman of Visit Cornwall, said: "There are obvious challenges, not least economic pressures but there's a real sense of determination to do as well as we can."

Increases in National Insurance contributions for employers, rises to minimum wages and changes to business rates come into force in April.

The government has said the measures announced in the budget would "wipe the slate clean" and "deliver the stability businesses so desperately need".

"We've all got to navigate the economic landscape and the substantial cost burden we're all having to carry," Mr Hyatt said.

"Cornwall is unique, we've got a fantastic offering, both at an aspirational level and an accessible level."

He said he hoped the summit would be a way for industry leaders to "share ideas, gain inspiration and really find a way of moving forward together in a collaborative way".

Guest speakers include Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, the organisation that represents businesses including pubs, restaurants and hotels.

The head of Visit Britain, Patricia Yates, will also be taking part in a Q&A with those attending.

A government spokesperson said: "Thriving hospitality and tourism sectors play a crucial role in growing the economy, as the UK was the seventh most visited country in the world in 2023.

"We have ensured that more than half of UK employers will either see a cut or no change in their National Insurance bill from April and are providing 40% business rates relief ahead of introducing a permanent, new lower business rate from 2026."

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