Heat Wave Increases Temperature and Tourism In Cornwall
The mercury is not the only thing rising this year in Cornwall, as visitor numbers are predicted to increase and boost the county’s much needed tourism industry.
This July saw the first prolonged heat wave in seven years, with two consecutive weeks of warm weather across the South West, causing a level three heat wave warning from the Met Office.
The sunshine has come as a blessing to Cornwall’s tourism industry following recent washout summers – with July 2012 receiving record rainfall for the month since 1766.
This year, however the 30 degree plus temperatures have driven locals and visitors alike to the county’s beaches supporting an increase in the UK’s Staycation holiday trend.
Julianne Shelton, Managing Co-Director of Cornish Gems – luxury holiday specialists with properties across Cornwall, has already seen the impact of the hot weather on visitor numbers, especially in St Ives where the season is in full swing.
Julianne said: “Good weather leading up to the summer holidays has had a tremendous effect on bookings. St Ives in particular attracts a range of visitors, from families spending their summer holidays to couples taking last minute romantic breaks. With such warm weather across the UK in June and July, we are now fully booked as people choose to book their annual holiday in Cornwall rather than going overseas for the fine weather.”
The annual St Ives September Festival (SSF), sponsored by Cornish Gems, is also predicted to have a positive effect on tourism in the town this year.
The annual two week festival has been moved in 2013 from the middle two weeks to the last two weeks of September and the St Ives September Festival organisers and Cornish Gems both feel this will have a positive impact on tourism in St Ives by extending the season.
Alan Shepherd, Chairman of the St Ives September Festival, explains:
“The St Ives September Festival is unusual in that it lasts for two weeks in one town – enabling us to incorporate hundreds of fantastic acts and encourage visitors to St Ives over a prolonged period. By moving the Festival to the end of the month it will extend the summer season right up until the end of September.”
Malcolm Bell, Head of Tourism at Visit Cornwall believes both the weather and the new festival dates will really help businesses in the popular Cornish town which has been voted best UK beach destination for 2013 by TripAdvisor.
Malcolm said: “St Ives and Cornwall are very special anytime of the year and in all types of weather but when the sun shines on a cloudless day, with the special light of St Ives, the azure blue of the sea comes alive and is unique in its stunning beauty and wows people from all around the world. It is great to see good weather help businesses in such a challenging year and the St Ives September Festival’s new dates will ensure people visit St Ives up until the end of September – and beyond. To enjoy this very special place at festival time is a dream combination.”
For information on the St Ives September Festival visit: http://www.stivesseptemberfestival.co.uk/ or for more information on Cornish Gems visit: http://www.cornishgems.com/
