Cornwall Launches Survey to Establish New DMO and Secure Future of Tourism, Get the Details Here

Published on December 1, 2025

By beginning to circulate a survey to businesses, tourism-related organizations, and local councils, Cornwall is taking its first concrete step toward determining the trajectory for its’ tourism industry. Survey results will be used to create a new, collaborative Destination Management Organisation (DMO) that will focus on the promotion of Cornwall as a year-round tourism destination, sustenance of local businesses, and enhancement of the region’s visitor economy.

A Collaborative Effort to Revive Cornwall’s Tourism Strategy

In partnership with Cornwall Council, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Economic Forum has appointed a small working group of representatives from the tourism sector to create this survey. The aim is to build a unified, sector-led DMO that will effectively champion the Duchy’s visitor economy, especially following the loss of Visit Cornwall, the previous DMO that ceased operations.

This new initiative will play a vital role in fostering collaboration between key stakeholders, including businesses, local authorities, tourist information centres, and tourism-related associations. By consulting widely with these groups, Cornwall aims to create a destination management structure that meets the needs of everyone in the sector.

The Importance of a New DMO for Cornwall’s Tourism Industry

Destination Management Organisations are crucial in driving tourism and business development within specific regions. They help to shape the marketing, research, and growth strategies for tourist destinations, ensuring that they remain competitive and attractive to visitors year-round. For Cornwall, a region with a thriving tourism industry, a strong DMO is essential for maintaining its status as a top destination in the UK.

This new DMO will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, including promoting Cornwall as a welcoming destination, coordinating marketing efforts, sharing research, and representing the interests of businesses and stakeholders across the visitor economy. By working collaboratively with all sectors, the new DMO will ensure that Cornwall’s tourism sector is resilient and well-positioned to tackle emerging challenges, such as fluctuating visitor numbers and rising operational costs.

Survey: A Chance for Businesses to Influence the Future of Tourism in Cornwall

The launch of this survey provides Cornwall’s tourism industry with a valuable opportunity to share its views on what is needed from a new DMO. The survey will cover a range of key topics, such as how the new organisation should be structured, what initiatives it should focus on, and how it can best support the region’s businesses, from small independent operators to larger enterprises.

Councillor Sarah Preece, the cabinet member for tourism at Cornwall Council, expressed her commitment to working with partners to create a unified, sector-led organisation. She stated, “This survey offers all those representing the visitor economy the opportunity to tell us what is needed from a Destination Management Organisation to ensure Cornwall Council can support the sector to thrive. We want to make sure everyone’s voice is heard so it’s really important we hear from as many different parts of the sector as possible.”

A Key Step for Cornwall’s Tourism Industry in the Wake of Visit Cornwall’s Closure

The loss of Visit Cornwall left a significant gap in the region’s tourism strategy, and the new DMO is seen as a critical component in filling that void. As tourism remains the backbone of Cornwall’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and sustaining local businesses, the region is facing mounting challenges, including declining visitor numbers and rising costs.

Kevin Georgel, chief executive of St Austell Brewery, which is a key member of the steering group, emphasized the importance of collaboration. “Tourism remains the backbone of Cornwall’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and sustaining local businesses. The loss of Visit Cornwall comes at a time when the sector faces significant challenges – falling visitor numbers and rising costs. Engagement from all corners of the sector will be critical to building resilience and driving growth,” he said.

By working together, businesses across Cornwall aim to define a strong, coordinated plan for the future, one that ensures the region remains a leading UK destination for tourists while also helping local businesses recover and thrive.

The Eden Project’s Role in Shaping Cornwall’s Tourism Future

The Eden Project, one of Cornwall’s most iconic attractions, is playing a vital role in this new initiative. CEO Andy Jasper highlighted the excitement surrounding the formation of the new DMO and the opportunity it presents to rally the region’s tourism stakeholders. “It’s exciting that all sectors are now galvanising around a shared purpose – and for us all to play a role in shaping our strategy, working together to drive growth for Cornwall with tourism at the very heart,” said Jasper.

The Eden Project will be hosting an important event in late January, where industry leaders and sector representatives will come together to discuss the findings of the survey and explore the next steps in establishing the new DMO. This event is expected to serve as a critical platform for shaping a unified strategy that positions Cornwall as a must-visit destination, not only in the UK but across the globe.

What Cornwall’s Tourism Sector Needs for Long-Term Success

The newly appointed DMO will focus on defining the right approach to Cornwall’s tourism marketing and delivery, with a clear emphasis on long-term growth. Cornwall’s tourism sector is diverse, catering to a wide range of interests including history, culture, nature, and outdoor activities. With a steady influx of visitors from across the UK and beyond, there is immense potential to expand Cornwall’s reach as a year-round destination. The goal is to ensure that Cornwall remains resilient in the face of challenges, capitalizing on opportunities for growth in emerging markets and sectors.

Engagement and Collaboration for a Thriving Visitor Economy

Cornwall’s tourism industry is currently in a place of transformation, and this initiative is a primary step in securing the future success of the sector. Cornwall is ensuring that all voices are heard and that the new DMO is built with input from across the sector. Thus, Cornwall is still one of the most sought-after destinations in the UK. Generating income and supporting local enterprise Cornwall will continue to attract visitors.