A heated debate has broken out in Cornwall over the impact of second homes and holiday lets on the local economy, with some residents warning that a decline in tourism could have dire consequences
Cornwall’s tourism industry is facing a crisis as visitor numbers plummet and local businesses shut down.
The ongoing debate about second-home ownership and holiday lets has left the community divided, with many fearing that an anti-tourism sentiment could devastate Cornwall’s economy.
A commenter on Cornwall Live, ‘Jon18’, highlighted the importance of tourism, stating: “Holiday lets bring over £40 million into Cornwall’s economy annually and are responsible for thousands of jobs. If we lose tourists, the county will suffer.”
This year has seen an 8.7 per cent drop in visitors to Cornwall, contributing to the closure of several attractions and budget hotels. Another local, going by ‘Boscastle’, noted a rise in holiday lets being put up for sale and pondered what might be deterring tourists.
High costs post-pandemic have been blamed by some residents for the downturn in tourism. ‘Archie2021’ commented: “If it wasn’t so expensive to come here on holiday, maybe fewer people would buy holiday properties in Cornwall. Blame the hotels and holiday parks, it’s become so expensive after Covid”, reports the Express.
Cornwall’s economy is reeling from a drop in tourism, with the twin pressures of local attraction closures and a downturn in visitor numbers hurting both commerce and community spirit. The coastal region, famous for its picturesque landscapes and tourist appeal, is grappling with how to balance its dual identity as a holiday destination and a place for residents to call home.
The lack of tourists has left businesses on shaky ground while stirring debate over how to preserve Cornwall’s character. Many in the residential community point an accusative finger at the proliferation of second homes, which they argue fuels a shortage of housing and leaves villages eerily quiet off-season.
Business owners and workers who depend on holidaymakers are fraught with concern as earnings plummet. Jon18 argued: “Most of these properties are at the luxury end of the market. Many are owned by locals trying to supplement their income. Contrary to what folks believe, holiday lets will not convert to full-time rental as being a landlord today is just not viable.”
Adding to the strain, ex-rental properties have burst onto the market, sold off by landlords who find themselves at odds with new regulations and soaring costs. “Thousands of landlords are selling up because of government legislation,” Jon18 emphasised the trend exacerbating the housing challenge.
And as consensus over Cornwall’s reliance on tourism remains unshaken, there’s discord regarding the origin of the housing shortfall. Some Cornish families who have handed over the keys to outsiders are also under scrutiny, shouldering some blame for the deepening crisis.
“Every local person or business who sold property to those out of the county are to blame,” remarked ‘BristolVR’, highlighting the economic forces behind such transactions. Meanwhile, some argue that the real issue is the lack of council initiative in constructing affordable housing.
‘KentuckyRain’ chimed in: “The council has failed to build homes in sufficient quantities, and a proportion of those it does build with taxpayers’ money are laughably called ‘affordable.’ Affordable by whom?”.