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PRESS RELEASE
15 May 2015
Visit Cornwall CIC celebrates successful first month with ‘thank you’
event
The newly formed Visit Cornwall Community Interest Company (CIC) has
marked its successful launch, and first month of operating, with a Cornish
Cream Tea celebration.
Attended by friends and supporters of the destination marketing organisation,
the event took place (on Friday 15th May) at Visit Cornwall’s new office at
Lakeview Country Club in Lanivet, near Bodmin, and was an opportunity for
Visit Cornwall to thank those who supported its move from public to private
sector.
Malcolm Bell, Chief Executive of Visit Cornwall, comments: “The last six months
have been very eventful; from being under the wing of Cornwall Council to
becoming a Community Interest Company at the beginning of April, it has
meant creating a brand new company. The support we have received from
the tourism industry, as well as from individuals and companies who have
assisted us in the transition, has been incredible and we wouldn’t be in the
position that we are in today had it not been for their advice, guidance and
generosity.”
Alongside Cornwall Council and Cornwall Development Company, Visit
Cornwall received expert support from Stephen Scown, Francis Clark and
HSBC, while Lakeview Country Club stepped forward with the offer of office
space.
Lord St Levan, Chair of Visit Cornwall, adds: “The strength of support that we
have received in forming Visit Cornwall CIC is a reflection of the culture of the
Cornwall business community. By coming together we have developed a
long-term solution for marketing destination Cornwall which will benefit
businesses across the county for years to come. I would like to thank all those
that have supported us on this journey, as well as all those that we will be
working with in our future as a CIC.”
Michael Beadel, Chairman of Stephens Scown LLP who provided specialist
legal assistance, comments: “Tourism is the lifeblood of our economy in
Cornwall and we were pleased to see the private sector come forward with a
new proposal that would ensure destination marketing continued for the
county. Sharing Visit Cornwall’s passion for this region, we were pleased to be
chosen by them to carry out the legal work and ensure a smooth transition
within a short timescale.”
The new CIC continues much of Visit Cornwall’s previous work with a primary
focus on destination marketing to ensure Cornwall stays the number one
choice for UK holidays. As well as the website www.visitcornwall.com, which
saw year-on-year web visits increase by 35% for April, Visit Cornwall leads on
social media, email marketing, videos, PR and advertising for Cornwall,
offering local tourism businesses an unrivalled route to market. Visit Cornwall is
also a voice for the tourism industry, lobbying on important issues, providing
research into visitor trends and perceptions, and sharing industry news and
insights.
Visit Cornwall has a team of five people and a founding board of Directors
that sees Lord St Levan (St Aubyn Estates) joined by Nigel Carpenter (St
Michael’s Hotel and Spa), Gordon Seabright (Eden Project), Tim Light (Fal
River) and Will Ashworth (Watergate Bay).
“It is very much business as useful for us,” concludes Bell. “We are committed
to our future and to the prosperity of Cornwall tourism.”
For more information visit www.visitcornwall.com
ENDS
Notes to editors
Visit Cornwall is a Community Interest Company and operates as a private
sector trade organisation. Visit Cornwall is responsible for growing Cornwall’s
visitor economy by continually developing awareness of Cornwall to existing
customers and new markets, through destination marketing, digital marketing
and PR activities.
Image
Visit Cornwall celebrated its successful first month as a Community Interest
Company with some of the businesses and individuals that supported its
transition
Please credit Emily Whitfield-Wicks
Further information
Julia Hughes
PR & Communications Manager
Visit Cornwall
07500 704 259
