Tourism: Essential to the Economy

Cornwall has undergone significant changes in terms of its economic fortunes. Tourism is now one of the County’s most important and growing sectors.

“Tourism is relatively new to Cornwall, having emerged as an antidote to the
collapse of the region’s global mining industry. By the 1960s, it was enjoying its
first taste of the mass tourism that turned fishing ports like Newquay and Bude into
busy holiday resorts. Back then it was all fish and chips, caravans and gift-shop
Cornish Pixies, and in the years of decline that followed, very little changed. Then,
in the mid 1990s, Cornish tourism bounced back with new vigour. Now it’s one of
the most visited and most fashionable holiday regions in the British Isles”
(The Best of Britain – Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, 2009).

The following data from 2007 shows how important tourism is for Cornwall:

• Cornwall attracted about 4.9 million staying visitors
• These visitors accounted for some 25 million visitor nights and spent approximately £1.1 billion pounds in the area
• This expenditure supported 40,000 jobs in Cornwall
• Employment supported by this expenditure accounted for approximately 17% of all employment in Cornwall

Source: South West Research Company

St Austell already has a number of attractions including the world class Eden Project. Our intention is to create a first class resort providing high quality accommodation that can be used year-round helping to reduce the seasonal nature of much tourism activity.
The development at Carlyon Bay will become a significant employer. The following is anticipated:

• 450 jobs on site (including part time opportunities)
• 130 jobs off-site
• A wide range of jobs:

- Managerial (to run the resort)
- Skilled operatives (maintenance/landscapes)
- Sales and customer service (restaurants, shops)

• We intend to use local people and companies whenever possible

We have supported various local organisations including the sponsorship of construction courses at Cornwall College and aim to continue these partnership programmes in the long term. Training schemes will be crucial component of our operational commitment to help our staff and potential employees improve skills, knowledge and overall job prospects. In addition, we will continue to be involved with the Prince’s Trust and Education Business Partnership.

The development will provide fitness facilities that are beneficial for people’s health and well being with a club membership that could be available for local residents to join. We also intend to provide indoor and outdoor recreation activities and to build relationships with the arts, community and voluntary sectors.

The total investment for the Carlyon Bay proposals are estimated to be in the region of £250 million.