Representatives from the tourism sector at the Eden ProjectA summit focusing on the region’s visitor economy has been described as a “huge moment” for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.Over 200 people attended the event, which took place at the Eden Project on Tuesday, January 27.It featured inspiring talks from key speakers Kate Nicholls, Chair of UK Hospitality, and Andrew Stokes OBE, Director of Visit England.Leading figures from the sector also provided updates on the work that’s being done to continue to promote the region and support the industry, following the loss of Visit Cornwall.“This is a huge moment for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly” said Councillor Sarah Preece, cabinet member with responsibility for Tourism at Cornwall Council.“It’s so important that we listen to the businesses, associations, organisations and representatives from across the sector. The summit brought those voices together and marked a key milestone in our journey to determine what comes next.“By working together and harnessing the enthusiasm from the summit, we can now look at the next steps in creating a sustainable platform to help the sector thrive for decades to come.” During the summit, the results from the recent visitor economy survey were discussed and attendees participated in a series of workshops, sharing their views on what a new destination organisation for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly could look like.The importance of collaboration, representation and innovation were among the key themes to emerge from the event.Andy Jasper, The Eden Project CEO, said: "We were so honoured to host this Tourism Summit, and it was just brilliant to see so many tourism-related businesses from across Cornwall come together to share ideas that are going shape the future of tourism in the region.“It is clear that the knowledge and experience in the room, the collaboration, energy and desire to support one another is what will make this new entity in Cornwall become successful. The charity Eden Project is proud to champion what makes Cornwall special and, for the people who live here, for those who visit and for the strength of the wider UK visitor economy - this summit is just the start of great things to come.”Mark Lewin, director of Cornwall Hospitality Collective, said: “There was a real energy in the room at the Tourism Summit, and a strong sense of a desire for real momentum and a shared commitment to shaping a strong future for Cornwall. I’m hugely encouraged by the direction of travel.“As a sector that employs and nurtures so much local talent, hospitality has a vital role to play in developing the skills and career pathways our communities need. The summit's discussions showed just how focused we all are on creating the conditions for the next generation to thrive here in Cornwall and ensure we have a strong and sustainable visitor economy.”Laura Plum, marketing and communications director at St Austell Brewery, said: “The Tourism Summit felt like a genuine moment of reset for Cornwall. There was a real sense in the room that, while the challenges facing the sector are significant, this is also an opportunity to come together and shape what comes next. As one of the region’s largest employers and a proud champion of Cornish hospitality, we are hugely supportive of playing a part in uniting with the wider sector and getting behind a shared vision for the future. "Tourism remains fundamental to Cornwall’s identity, economy and communities, and protecting its long term sustainability will require clear leadership, collective responsibility and renewed investment in the county’s brand. This is a moment to be bold and ensure Cornwall continues to be a place that visitors, residents and businesses can all thrive.”Press release issued on Friday, January 30, 2026