Over 80 hospitality businesses gathered on the 11th of November at the Cornwall Visitor Economy Forum to explore new strategies for attracting visitors and building resilience across the sector.
Hosted by the Cornwall Hospitality Collective (CHC) at Lanhydrock Hotel and Golf Club, the event took place just weeks after Visit Cornwall’s voluntary liquidation – providing a timely opportunity for hospitality businesses, educators and community partners to regroup, share ideas and explore new models for tourism leadership and sector-wide resilience.
The event, supported by key partners including Truro & Penwith College, Cornwall Rural Community Charity and Cornish Tea & Cornish Coffee, featured keynote presentations, regional tourism and business insights and an alternative Tourism Strategy for Cornwall delivered by Karen Hoyle of Ghost Consulting. Delegates participated in a hospitality panel chaired by Elly Owen, Director of CHC and award-winning sommelier, alongside Simon Mahon, COO of Watergate Bay Hotel; Josie Hutt, Marketing Manager at Cornwall Airport Newquay; and Katie Marriott, General Manager at Jamaica Inn. The programme also included best-practice showcases and interactive workshops on marketing, collaboration and mentorship, complemented by networking opportunities and partner-hosted business stands.
The forum also spotlighted CHC’s work in promoting hospitality careers through school engagement, careers fairs and mentorship programmes – including partnerships with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision settings. These initiatives – which have already reached over 9,000 young people – are made possible through the generous support of sponsors, venues and community partners.
“This forum couldn’t have come at a more critical time, with Cornwall’s tourism leadership in flux,” said James Cavanagh-Shaddock, CHC co-founder and director. “We originally planned to run this event in collaboration with Visit Cornwall and while we’re naturally saddened by the loss of such a key organisation, the energy, motivation and passion in the room reflected a shared commitment to shaping a stronger, more resilient future for Cornwall’s visitor economy. Thanks to our partners and sponsors, we’re able to deliver high-impact events like this, alongside accessible training and engagement opportunities that empower businesses and inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals.”
CHC, a membership-led Community Interest Company (CIC), unites businesses, educators, suppliers and communities to raise standards, inspire careers and strengthen Cornwall’s hospitality sector through collaboration, training and career development.
In addition to monthly member training and networking events, CHC is delivering a series of free, funded events throughout November, supported by Experience Bodmin. These include:
• 14 November – Customer Service Training, 10:00–14:00, The Headland, Newquay
• 20 November – Hospitality Marketing Workshop, 10:00–14:00, SeaSpace, Newquay
• 25 November – Hospitality Marketing Workshop, 10:00–14:00, The Hangar, St Mawgan
Each session is open to all and fully funded by Experience – a Cornwall Council-led project promoting Cornwall as a year-round destination – and are designed to help businesses rethink their offer, improve customer experience and adapt to changing visitor expectations.
To learn more about CHC and its membership which is free for start-ups or from £18 per month for hospitality businesses, visit cornwallhospitalitycollective.org.
