Decade-long tourism boom could pull economy from the doldrums
Tourism could ride to the rescue of the Westcountry economy after figures revealed the sector is to grow rapidly over the next ten years.
A study by VisitBritain estimates the value of tourism is expected to shoot up by more than 60 per cent by 2020, making the sector worth £188 billion to the economy.
It spells good news for Devon and Cornwall, whose economic health is inextricably linked to the buoyancy of the domestic holiday market.
The number of jobs supported by tourism is predicted to increase by 264,000 to 2.89 million in the next ten years, VisitBritain predicted.
Domestic tourism has reaped the rewards of the "staycation" trend, with 25 per cent fewer overseas trips reported last year.
But Malcolm Bell, director of VisitCornwall, said there was no guarantee the growth of the sector would translate into a boom for the Westcountry.
He said: "There is a general feeling among economists that once people have got one car, or one fridge, or one washing machine, you don't need another. So you spend your money on entertainment or leisure.
"In the last 15 years we have acquired a lot of physical goods, so now we will be spending our money on tourism and recreation.
"The challenge surrounds where that money is being spent. Does it get spent abroad? Or does it get spent in emerging parts of the UK? There is a lot of competition for us."
The amount of spending per year by overseas residents is likely to almost double from £16 bn now to £31bn in 2020.
Only the financial and business service sectors are likely to grow faster than tourism over the next few years, said VisitBritain.
The report, by professional services company Deloitte and forecasting organisation Oxford Economics, calculated that the economic contribution home and overseas visitors make to the UK is £115bn a year.
The report said favourable exchange rates, the lure of the 2012 Olympics and the appeal of UK attractions should ensure the tourism sector grows at an above-average 3.5 per cent per annum between now and 2020.
But despite the optimistic forecasts, the report warned that Government intervention would be the key to success, as a range of market failures need to be tackled.
These included co-ordinating marketing to help small and medium-sized tourist businesses who cannot afford to do it themselves.
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by Afallach, Annwn
Sunday, August 08 2010, 6:00PM
“I beg to differ, Gary.
I think the Celtic League do have a place in preserving the history and heritage of Cornwall. I think the mistake they make is involve themselves in fights long fought and causes long forgotten.”
by Gary, Saltash
Friday, August 06 2010, 9:13AM
“Afallach, Annwn
The papers use this band to create sensational headlines akin to Freddie starr eat my hamster. The nats are so keen for any attention they fail to even see the damage this does, the Celtic league in Cornwall are a none entity a handful of bitter and angry people who would find something else to hate were they to live in another part of the world. A group of Victor Meldrews who we should pity rather than mock because we seek to enjoy whereas they yearn for misery
People have the option if they do not like tourism they can get an education and a better paid job, moaning achieves nowt”
by Afallach, Annwn
Thursday, August 05 2010, 8:37PM
“The attitude of some at the Celtic League is to make the Cornish look like the Irish, and to a lesser extent, the Bretons, as "victims of imperialism". There is no doubt that the Irish did suffer this fate. But the Cornish? I have my doubts. More "victims" of the Industrial Revolution, that spread the English language and heralded the end of many local languages and dialects.”
by youngcornwall, uk
Thursday, August 05 2010, 3:42PM
“I am 100% Cornish, born here, live here and care about cornwall but for me Cornwall is just a county of England, welcome to planet earth and MYCORNWALL
Gary, Saltash
And may these two maids do well in the Miss England competition as well.
http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/news/Charlottes-making-bid-Britain-s-best/article-2488140-detail/article.html”
by Gary, Saltash
Thursday, August 05 2010, 1:19PM
“Please nobody report the obnoxious observation below, the person has stalked me for months leave it for all to read he is from praa you know. Words could never bother me as I am an adult.
You will see I made every attempt to debate courteously until I saw through the game this nat was playing. I do not believe any comment of mine has been removed, but suspect many were removed overnight as the drink starts to talk. I am 100% Cornish, born here, live here and care about cornwall but for me Cornwall is just a county of England, welcome to planet earth and MYCORNWALL”
by Gary, Saltash
Thursday, August 05 2010, 12:45PM
“One thing worth remembering material things of this world are only for a short while.
youngcornwall, uk
I would trade it all in for the health of my family young man, money may have motivated me but I will never forget having nothing so the trinkets can come and go but my family remains the most valued item in my life. For the record I met my wife when I had nothing and neither did she, some call it love, beats money IMHO. Enough about me please this threads been lost”
by going nowhere, helston
Thursday, August 05 2010, 12:38PM
“"Shame it turned out to be a troll."
Once again, you insult me and the Cornish people.
Your vile comments only mirror your limited mindset which must be the size of a pea.
Never before have I seen such disgusting and disrespectful comments. Every comment you make shows just how screwed up you are as a man. Using the word "Cornish" to describe the people and the place I live in doesn't make it a "weapon" at all. Its your sad state of mind that makes you "think" in that fashion. Good piece of advice Gary. Visit a psychologist soon. You have an unhealthy obsession with bashing all things Cornish and Cornwall. Your hatered has manifested itself in your vile comments. I'm glad that comment was removed. It was totally unacceptable. Lets hope are paths don't cross on this site again. And don't respond to my comments either. Your sick!.
GN”
by youngcornwall, uk
Thursday, August 05 2010, 12:05PM
“YC people higher up get paid for what they know not how much they produce. My comment was designed to show you can goo from rages to riches with a little effort that¿s all, did I mention I also own a goldwing LOL
Gary, Saltash
No you didn¿t Gary, it is obvious you go for the flash things in life, I bet your wife has all the glamorous good looks as well that fit in with your life style, good for you.
One thing worth remembering material things of this world are only for a short while.”
by Gary, Saltash
Thursday, August 05 2010, 8:30AM
“Gary has had another one of his postings pulled, couldn¿t see what was wrong with it, it must give his opponents an unfair advantage I would say.
What do you think Gary has four cars and three houses, didn¿t he do well. The time he spends on this forum he must get paid money for old rope, nice to hear from someone who has done well and is proud of his own achievements.
youngcornwall, uk
Shame it turned out to be a troll, almost had the makings of a forum. The use of the word Cornish as weapon always gives them away GN is added to my do not respond directly list. People can achieve anything they are only limited by their own expectations. YC people higher up get paid for what they know not how much they produce. My comment was designed to show you can goo from rages to riches with a little effort that¿s all, did I mention I also own a goldwing LOL”
by youngcornwall, uk
Wednesday, August 04 2010, 8:04PM
“Gary has had another one of his postings pulled, couldn¿t see what was wrong with it, it must give his opponents an unfair advantage I would say.
What do you think Gary has four cars and three houses, didn¿t he do well. The time he spends on this forum he must get paid money for old rope, nice to hear from someone who has done well and is proud of his own achievements.”