Newquay’s MP urges tourism sector to “work together” following collapse of Visit Cornwall

Newquay’s MP Noah Law is calling for Cornwall’s tourism industry to work collectively, warning businesses not to form separate groups, as work continues to develop a replacement for Visit Cornwall.

Delivering his “Tourism Action Plan”, Mr Law reassured the sector that creating a successor organisation is an “absolute priority” for Cornwall’s four Labour MPs. Visit Cornwall closed in October, citing “insurmountable financial problems”, saying liquidation was “the only responsible choice”.

Mr Law recently hosted a tourism summit in Newquay, attended by around 40 hospitality businesses. Those present agreed a series of actions across 23 areas, including parking improvements, support for business rate reform, investment in street scene enhancements, and accountability for South West Water over sewage pollution.

He told the industry that the MPs are committed to establishing a Local Visitor Economy Partnership to replace Visit Cornwall.
“I recognise that this is an uncertain time for tourism businesses, but my message is: ‘Don't panic, and don’t create splintered groups – we need a new organisation that represents the industry as a whole.’”

Mr Law has asked the Tourism Minister to meet Cornwall’s MPs, and is working with Visit England to explore best practice and governance models. He and fellow Labour MP Jayne Kirkham are also meeting Sarah Preece, from Cornwall Council’s Cabinet, to discuss alternative proposals.

In the short term, Mr Law is calling on Cornwall Council to release minutes from a recent meeting on next steps, and says he supports the council’s decision to issue a survey to gather views from businesses across the sector.

“Ultimately, my goal reflects what I am hearing from local businesses within my constituency, which is that any such body should be for the sector, and led by the sector, with real business playing a key role in directing resources,” he said.
“Any new body has to be for the greater good of Cornwall, and securing Local Visitor Economy Partnership status is an absolute must to ensure we can plug into national funding, and our Government's ambitious National Visitor Economy Strategy.”

Veryan Palmer, Director of the Headland Hotel in Newquay, said the steps being taken by Cornwall Council and business leaders were encouraging. She added that long-term commitment would be needed to ensure Cornwall maintains a strong destination management organisation for the future.