Visit Cornwall Tourism Summit 2025

Shaping the future of tourism in Cornwall

The Visit Cornwall Tourism Summit returns on Wednesday 15th & Thursday 16th January 2025, for the first time since 2020, bringing the industry together for two impactful days at The Alverton Hotel in Truro.  This inclusive event is open to everyone involved in Cornwall’s tourism industry.  Whether you’re an entrepreneur, manager, marketer or stakeholder in Cornwall’s tourism industry, this event offers an opportunity to learn from some of the most respected voices in the sector, as well as offering peer support from other tourism businesses in Cornwall.

Day One:  Business Strategy and Industry Trends

The summit will begin with a full day dedicated to business owners, managers, and decision-makers.  Our line-up of speakers and expert panels will focus on key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the tourism sector.

Simon Calder – renowned travel writer and broadcaster, will be bringing his expertise from his role as Travel Editor of The Independent, presenting BBC 2’s Travel Show and hosting the Travel Clinic on LBC 97.3, alongside his regular commentary on travel issues across national media.

Patricia Yates – CEO of VisitBritain / VisitEngland, giving an update on the priorities of VisitBritain / VisitEngland, as well as the emerging new tourism strategy for England.

Kate Nicholls OBE – CEO of UK Hospitality, with an update on the challenges facing the hospitality sector following the last trading year and the impact of the most recent budget.

Lord Hutton – Chair of the Cornwall Economic Forum, bringing us up to date with the rolling priorities emerging for Cornwall on the growth agenda and the visitor economy.

Patrick Richards – Founder and Director of TerraVerde, will present the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a low and/or net zero visitor economy.

A representative from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport will be joining us on day one to discuss the government’s priorities for tourism and its recognition of the sector’s vital contribution to the economy

A representative from the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) will provide an update on its priorities and outline the next steps for supporting and growing the county’s visitor economy.

Jim Plunkett-Cole – from Smart Growth Analytics will explore the true value of tourism in Cornwall, offering data-driven insights into its economic impact.

Andy Jasper – the newly appointed CEO of the Eden Project, will discuss the key challenges facing Cornish tourism businesses, and will share insights on navigating these in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Additional topics will cover national and international challenges in travel and tourism and their impact on Cornwall.

More speakers to be announced – check back for updates!

Enjoy complimentary refreshments and a delicious lunch each day as you network and recharge between sessions.

Tickets

Visit Cornwall Member – £39.50 per person

Non-Member – £55.00 per person

(Please ensure you complete your Company Name on the Booking Form at Checkout)

By purchasing a ticket, you consent to Visit Cornwall holding your data and sharing it with Cornwall Council for auditing purposes related to the Shared Prosperity Fund, in compliance with GDPR regulations.  Additionally, you agree to receive email updates from Visit Cornwall regarding information and updates related to the summit.

To Book

• Online – www.visittruro.org.uk – Please select tickets required and follow instructions at the bottom of this page to book.
• Phone – 01872 274555
• In Person – Truro Visitor Centre – 30 Boscawen Street, Truro, TR1 2QQ – Monday – Saturday 9.15am – 4.30pm

Venue

The Alverton Hotel, Tregolls Road, Truro, TR1 1ZQ

Time

Day One – 9am – 4pm

Further Info – Please Read

• The Alverton Hotel is suitable for wheelchairs
• For any dietary requirements please contact julie@visitcornwall.com at least 10 days prior to the event
• This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, as well as the generosity of our sponsors, including Great Western Railway (GWR), Visit Cornwall’s preferred travel partner.

Tickets are non-refundable