Visit Cornwall enters voluntary liquidation amid financial difficulties

The tourism body - Visit Cornwall has entered voluntary liquidation, citing “insurmountable financial problems.”

The Chair, John Hyatt, said the Board of non-executive voluntary directors had been working hard to secure a sustainable future, but a recent business review and organisational changes revealed the organisation’s financial position was weaker than previously understood. “It has become apparent that Visit Cornwall faces insurmountable financial problems in the short term. As a result of that, the Board have explored every avenue possible, including discussions with funders and key partners, to navigate that short term problem. But we’re desperately disappointed to say that today Visit Cornwall is entering into voluntary liquidation,” he said.

Hyatt highlighted the ending of grants from the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, which he said “have been vital to Visit Cornwall for the past four years” and are due to end in March 2026. He added that the decision was necessary to protect staff and members: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision, but it is the only responsible choice, and we needed to take it before another round of membership payments was due in two months. This is about doing the right thing by our members and for staff and we had to act now.”

The organisation also called for a new “voice” to emerge to represent, support, and promote Cornwall’s tourism sector, noting that while it represents more than 500 members, there are many more businesses that could benefit from membership and potential partnerships.

Keith Southwell, Chair of the Cornwall Association of Tourist Attractions, described the news as “deeply saddening” and said Visit Cornwall has played a crucial role in supporting Cornish tourism since 2015, when it became a community interest company. He added that the team’s work has been greatly appreciated by visitors, partners, and the wider community, and CATA will continue to support its members and the visitor economy during this challenging period.

Visit Cornwall promotes Cornwall as a travel destination and works with local businesses and councils to support tourism growth and sustainability.