Cornwall Self-Catering Collective
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Good practice

Creating memorable and sustainable stays that benefit Cornwall

Help guests experience Cornwall in ways that benefit both visitors and local Cornish communities.

Good hospitality begins before guests arrive. From welcome booklets and clear communication to thoughtful recommendations and insider tips, it is a holiday accommodation provider’s responsibility to help guests enjoy their stay beyond the property itself. By providing useful information that makes a trip easier, such as recommendations for days out, mouth-watering eateries, and guidance on visiting Cornwall’s breathtaking landscapes, we can help create a more sustainable and resilient circular economy. This not only enhances the overall visitor experience of our glorious county, but also supports Cornwall and its communities as a whole.

Helping visitors discover more of Cornwall

Help create an unforgettable experience for visitors by recommending breath-taking places they may not have otherwise considered visiting. Not only does this help visitors make the most of their holiday by encouraging them to explore beyond popular hotspots and the crowds of St Ives, often exceeding their expectations of Cornwall’s beauty, but it also helps reduce pressure on already busy destinations where infrastructure is limited, while supporting local businesses across the county.

Encouraging year-round visits

Despite Cornwall’s visitor economy experiencing a significant decline after the peak summer months, there is still much to enjoy and discover throughout the year. As part of Cornwall’s ambition to become a leader in regenerative and responsible tourism by 2030, promoting the wonders of Cornwall year-round is essential to help spread visitor numbers more evenly and reduce overcrowding during the summer season.

Many businesses rely heavily on tourism, thriving in the summer but turning into ghost towns in the winter, directly impacting local livelihoods and creating disparities in monthly income. Promoting autumn coastal walks, festivals, and events throughout the year, or simply sharing the reasons you love Cornwall in every season, can help encourage a steady stream of tourism year-round.

Supporting Cornwall’s communities and businesses

It’s important to encourage guests to support local and independent businesses, such as cafés, restaurants, farm shops and family attractions. Simply sharing these recommendations through a text message, email, welcome booklet, or even in a personal greeting can significantly boost the county’s economy, while enhancing the overall visitor experience. By encouraging visitors to spend with Cornish businesses rather than national or international chains, we can directly support local business growth and keep tourism revenue within the county.

Protecting Cornwall’s environment and natural beauty

The foundation of Cornwall’s thriving visitor economy lies in its idyllic and pristine coastline, setting it apart from many other coastal destinations across the nation. Its exceptional natural beauty attracts millions of visitors each year, making it our responsibility to help preserve the very landscapes that draw people in from beyond the Tamar.

With 27% of Cornwall designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, many visitors may be unaware of local expectations when exploring our awe-inspiring natural environments. Providing simple guidance, such as staying on marked footpaths to avoid disturbing wildlife and damaging sensitive habitats, and encouraging the responsible disposal of waste, is essential to protecting these treasured areas. By helping visitors respect and care for Cornwall’s natural environment, we can preserve its beauty for future generations.

During the summer months, when tourism is at its peak and our roads are at their busiest, sharing sustainable travel options is incredibly important. Promoting alternative forms of transport can help reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve the daily lives of our local communities. There are many ways to explore Cornwall without relying on a car. Providing information on public transport, walking routes from the property, cycle hire opportunities for families, and local park-and-ride services can make it easier for visitors to get around sustainably.