The newly formed Visit Cornwall Community Interest Company (CIC) has marked its successful launch, and first month of operating, with a Cornish Cream Tea celebration.
Attended by friends and supporters of the destination marketing organisation, the event took place (on Friday 15th May) at Visit Cornwall’s new office at Lakeview Country Club in Lanivet, near Bodmin, and was an opportunity for Visit Cornwall to thank those who supported its move from public to private sector.
Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of Visit Cornwall, comments: “The last six months have been very eventful; from being under the wing of Cornwall Council to becoming a Community Interest Company at the beginning of April, it has meant creating a brand new company. The support we have received from the tourism industry, as well as from individuals and companies who have assisted us in the transition, has been incredible and we wouldn’t be in the position that we are in today had it not been for their advice, guidance and generosity.”
Alongside Cornwall Council and Cornwall Development Company, Visit Cornwall received expert support from Stephen Scown, Francis Clark and HSBC, while Lakeview Country Club stepped forward with the offer of office space.
Lord St Levan, Chair of Visit Cornwall, adds: “The strength of support that we have received in forming Visit Cornwall CIC is a reflection of the culture of the Cornwall business community. By coming together we have developed a long-term solution for marketing destination Cornwall which will benefit businesses across the county for years to come. I would like to thank all those that have supported us on this journey, as well as all those that we will be working with in our future as a CIC.”
Michael Beadel, Chairman of Stephens Scown LLP who provided specialist legal assistance, comments: “Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy in Cornwall and we were pleased to see the private sector come forward with a new proposal that would ensure destination marketing continued for the county. Sharing Visit Cornwall’s passion for this region, we were pleased to be chosen by them to carry out the legal work and ensure a smooth transition within a short timescale.”
The new CIC continues much of Visit Cornwall’s previous work with a primary focus on destination marketing to ensure Cornwall stays the number one choice for UK holidays. As well as the website www.visitcornwall.com, which saw year-on-year web visits increase by 35% for April, Visit Cornwall leads on social media, email marketing, videos, PR and advertising for Cornwall, offering local tourism businesses an unrivalled route to market. Visit Cornwall is also a voice for the tourism industry, lobbying on important issues, providing research into visitor trends and perceptions, and sharing industry news and insights.
Visit Cornwall has a team of five people and a founding board of Directors that sees Lord St Levan (St Aubyn Estates) joined by Nigel Carpenter (St Michael’s Hotel and Spa), Gordon Seabright (Eden Project), Tim Light (Fal River) and Will Ashworth (Watergate Bay).
“It is very much business as useful for us,” concludes Bell. “We are committed to our future and to the prosperity of Cornwall tourism.”
For more information visit www.visitcornwall.com