Leaders 'devastated' by Visit Cornwall liquidation

Visit Cornwall announced it had gone into voluntary liquidation due to financial issues

Tourism leaders in Cornwall have said it is "devastating" news that Visit Cornwall is going into voluntary liquidation.

On Thursday a spokesperson for Visit Cornwall said the decision was due to "insurmountable financial problems" and liquidation was "the only responsible choice".

Sue Jewell, chair of the South East Cornwall Tourism Association, said the loss of Visit Cornwall would "leave such a hole" in the industry.

Sarah Preece, Cornwall Council's portfolio holder for tourism, localism and planning, said the council thanked Visit Cornwall for the work it had done but it would have been "irresponsible" to use "public money" to save it.

Ms Jewell, who owns self-catering holiday accommodation, said: "[Visit Cornwall] was the hub, there's a lot of organisations representing tourism and it brought us all together.

"The support they gave the industry and Cornwall Council free of charge, I just think it's going to leave such a hole."

She added: "[It's] absolutely devastating. We're all just reeling.

"It's such a strong brand and to see it going to the wall is just such a lot for the biggest industry in Cornwall."

Nick Reynolds, who owns Paradise Park in Hayle, said he was disappointed the body had to go into voluntary liquidation.

He said: "The county needs to have somebody who's advertising the county. There needs to be something out there shouting about Cornwall.

"Our costs are spiralling. There's lots of places having to close down, it's really sad and it's difficult."

'Absolutely devastated'

Councillor Preece said the council had a "responsibility" to make sure it was supporting the tourism sector.

She said: "It would be irresponsible of me to be putting public money into financially cash flowing a company.

"What we need to do is take stock, listen to what the stakeholders need, what the support needs are fo the sector and to thank hugely all of those at Visit Cornwall.

"We are absolutely devastated by the news they couldn't keep this going."