13th February 2025
Tourism businesses driving change
SIMON SAYS: BBC Radio Cornwall’s Daphne Skinnard interviews travel writer and broadcaster Simon Calder on the challenges facing the county’s tourism sector
TOURISM chiefs have hailed the success of last month’s ‘Visit Cornwall Tourism Summit’ which returned to the Alverton Hotel, Truro, after a few years’ break.
The event brought together 400 representatives of the industry during two days of talks and workshops, allowing professionals from the tourism sector to exchange ideas, gain insights from leading industry experts, and facilitate valuable connections.
Crucially, the summit highlighted key opportunities and challenges facing the tourism industry, with discussions centred on achieving a net zero visitor economy, analysing recent data and trends, reviewing government priorities for tourism, exploring AI software, and enhancing travel trade opportunities.
Among the speakers were Patricia Yates, chief executive officer of VisitBritain/VisitEngland; Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality; the travel journalist Simon Calder; Tom Chartres-Moore, a partner at the Stephens Scown law firm, and Nick Hall, founder of Digital Tourism Think Tank
Many other experts also shared their knowledge and expertise. Delegates praised the event for its engaging content and valuable networking opportunities.
In a special initiative to inspire the next generation of tourism professionals, the summit welcomed students from Truro High School and Truro College to demonstrate the vast career potential within the tourism sector.
Said Chair of Visit Cornwall, Jon Hyatt: “The return of the summit has once again highlighted the strength and resilience of our tourism sector.
“Bringing together such a diverse and influential group of professionals and aspiring talent is key to shaping the future of tourism in Cornwall.
“We are immensely grateful to our speakers, sponsors, and attendees for making this event a resounding success.”
The summit would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors, including Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub, PKF Francis Clark, Cornwall Airport Newquay, National Trust, Hiyield, Land's End Landmark, St Austell Printing Company and Healeys Cyder Farm.
Thanks were also extended to Clockwork Audio Systems, Arianna Fenton Photography, and Daphne Skinnard.
The summit was part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
“We are proud to have been the lead sponsor of Visit Cornwall’s Tourism Summit, an event that brought together a wealth of expertise and forward-thinking ideas from across the industry,” said Stuart Reid, chief executive officer of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.
“It was a privilege to share insights about the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group, including our exciting new vessels project which will see the introduction of a new passenger ferry, Scillonian IV, and a new cargo ship, Menawethan, by 2026.
“This represents a significant investment in the future of transport connectivity and tourism for the Isles of Scilly.”
And he added: “Events like this highlight the collective ambition within the industry to drive change and deliver outstanding experiences for visitors and residents alike.”
