Reflections on Summer Part 1 - Why Do People Come to Cornwall?

Hi again,

Summer is a wierd and wonderful period for Cornwall but also a period which we could not do without. Visitor numbers in 2009, in many ways, exceeded those of 2008 despite the poor weather.

I have been wondering whether the nature of Cornwall's Tourism industry has changed much in the last five years or so. Really, I believe people still come here for the same reasons, however not so long ago I remember very little material in many of our town and villages which actually welcomed tourists into our lives. Over the last few years, I've seen signs being put up, buildings being repainted, road links being improved and tourist attractions such as Eden develop immeasurably - however I always ask whether people see these improvements based on what it was like before. Obviously, the old-timers do see them and appreciate them, but a large number of tourists from to Cornwall are in the 25 - 35 age range and therefore may be making their first trip to Cornwall with a small family. Do they just presume the improvements they see have been there forever? We see lacklustre attempts every year to improve the status of Cornwall as a 'tourist destination' - but that is exactly what most people are trying to avoid. The true beauty of Cornwall is that it doesn't need any added extras. The scenery, the way of the life and the people who live here are what makes Cornwall so great - not Land's End, not Eden........

My argument therefore is that while many people in Cornwall complain about the lack of civilized entertainment on offer for tourists, many people who do not come from complain hardly complain at all. It is part of the beauty of this place that we do not need Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures or any number of manufactured theme park based attractions. Just let Cornwall be what it is, and everyone will be better off.

I am starting a new project on Cornish Life which will be called Reflections on Summer. It is for anyone who is either from Cornwall or not to comment on these posts regarding their experiences of their time in Cornwall. I hope to take this to other blogs and website, and get enough reaction to suggest what improvements could be made in Cornwall for tourists.