Visit Cornwall, the official tourist board for the county, has entered voluntary liquidation due to insurmountable financial problems, dealing a major blow to 500 local businesses. The board announced that despite tireless efforts, the organisation faced a financial position 'far less robust than was previously understood.'
The tourism industry brings £2.1 billion annually to Cornwall and accounts for 20% of all jobs, making it the third largest visitor economy in the UK after London and Manchester. However, the end of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) in March 2026, which had provided vital support for four years, left the board with no viable alternative.
Chairman Jon Hyatt stated that the board explored every avenue, including discussions with funders and partners, before concluding that liquidation was the only responsible decision. The six paid employees will be supported through the process and receive redundancy payments.
Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell Brewery, called the news 'deeply concerning' and highlighted the sector's challenges: falling visitor numbers, rising costs, and closure of iconic venues. He urged for a coordinated plan involving public and private sectors to drive recovery.
Visit Cornwall, once funded by Cornwall Council, became a not-for-profit Community Interest Company in 2015 after the council withdrew its budget. Over the past decade, it achieved over 30 million website visits and a social media following of 430,000. The board hopes a new voice will emerge to represent the sector.
