A group of 25 inbound tour operators visited Cornwall this week to discover first-hand what the region has to offer group visitors and to forge relationships with local tourism businesses.
Organised by Visit Cornwall, in partnership with the trade association, UKinbound, the two-day event was held in a bid to increase Cornwall’s share in the group visitor market and to boost overseas visitor numbers.
The delegation included tour operators that bring groups from Europe, America, Japan, China and Australia into the UK.
Following a tour of St Michael’s Mount and a stay at Gwel an Mor in Portreath, the group met with almost 30 local tourism businesses – from accommodation providers and attractions, to transport operators and activity providers – for a speed networking event at the Eden Project.
Head of Visit Cornwall, Malcolm Bell, said: “There is significant potential to grow the 8% of Cornwall’s tourism industry that currently comprises of overseas visitors.
“Events such as this provide invaluable access to emerging markets, as well as those which have the scope to develop, and by showcasing Cornwall we hope we have inspired tour operators to feature the region in their itineraries and bring their tours to Cornwall.”
Deirdre Wells, chief executive from UKinbound, added: “The UK is enjoying record-breaking overseas visitor numbers which has brought increased demand for new products. This offers exciting opportunities for local businesses to work more closely with UKinbound and our members to fulfil client requests for itineraries which feature Cornwall.”
