Holiday in Cornwall
A holiday in Cornwall in 2020 looked very different from usual. The shops were busy, the sun was shining and the beaches were packed, yet as people around the world cancelled foreign holidays and opted for staycations, Cornwall’s popular towns faced COVID-19 rules, a new mix of visitors and the uncertainty of Brexit.
Something felt a bit off in Cornwall’s favourite holiday towns, and this article looks at why, and what the future may hold for tourism in the region.
A Holiday in Cornwall During COVID-19
With beautiful beaches, cobbled lanes and quaint shops, Looe is one of the most popular resorts in the whole of Cornwall. However, COVID-19 made everything a little more difficult.
The usually full Looe hotels were overworked making sure they could keep up with the new government legislation.
“We always had a great time here in Looe. However this year I was very anxious, because of the COVID-19 and the face masks. We haven’t done half of the activities we would have and it’s the least busy that I have ever seen it.” – Jeffery W, Manchester
A Different Kind of Visitor
There was a large shift in who came to stay. Where Cornwall would once have welcomed tourists from all over the world, visitors were now mainly English families and stag and hen groups who would usually have gone abroad.
It remained unclear how the combination of the virus and Brexit would affect the industry, but the locals carried on as normal.
How Brexit Could Affect Holidays in Cornwall
With the UK leaving the European Union, the whole UK tourist industry was holding its breath, waiting to see what it would mean. No place in the country was more aware of this than Cornwall.
Tourism and fishing have long been major sources of income for this sleepy, beautiful region of England, and both were set to change as the UK exited the bloc.
Coronavirus Masked the Effect of Brexit
So far, the coronavirus had masked the effect of Brexit. People were locked down and most hotel bookings were cancelled.
Once lockdown eased, many people were too nervous to fly abroad, and there was a resurgence of tourists, to the point where some small seaside towns struggled to cope. Where the towns would usually see polite European families, they were now seeing rowdier UK travellers who couldn’t get to their usual sunny party spots such as Ibiza.
What Visit Cornwall Is Considering
“Visit Cornwall” recently discussed how Brexit could affect holidaymaking in the future. These were the key points under consideration.
Building on International Links and Reputation
This is seen as an opportunity to reach out and sell Cornwall to countries worldwide. Legal and visa rules are now fully within the UK’s control, and thanks to the English language the UK remains one of the most accessible countries to visit for many cultures.
Capitalising on Current Exchange Rates
With a falling exchange rate, the UK may become an increasingly competitive holiday destination, able to offer better prices while still providing some of the best destinations in the world.
Workforce Uncertainties
It’s not all positive, though. A disproportionate number of hotels and tourist businesses are staffed by people from the European Union.
Without that workforce travelling to the UK, many businesses may struggle to find the staff they need to offer a world-class service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Looe popular for a holiday in Cornwall?
Looe is known for its beautiful beaches, cobbled lanes and quaint shops, making it one of Cornwall’s most popular resorts.
How did COVID-19 change holidays in Cornwall?
Hotels had to keep up with new rules, and visitors shifted from international tourists to UK families and stag and hen groups who would normally have gone abroad.
How could Brexit affect Cornish tourism?
It could bring new international marketing opportunities and more competitive prices, but also staffing shortages in hotels and tourist businesses.
Conclusion
A holiday in Cornwall remains as beautiful as ever, but the region’s tourism industry faced real change from COVID-19 and Brexit. Whatever the future holds, Cornwall’s beaches, towns like Looe and its welcoming locals continue to make it a favourite UK staycation.
