TOURISM NEWS

CLIMATE CHANGE CAMPAIGN

An independent holiday cottage agency has launched a new eco campaign to help reduce its carbon impact.

Forever Cornwall’s partnership with community interest company, Field to Forest (FTF), will see trees planted every year, which will offset almost all of its direct and indirect carbon omissions.

The first 600 trees have been planted at Clowance Farm near St Ives Bay, and trees will be planted every year which will ultimately offset all of Forever Cornwall’s carbon impact when they reach maturity. The offsetting scheme is entirely funded by each holiday booked, the cottage owners and from Forever Cornwall itself.

Forever Cornwall MD, Phil Gendall, said: “Climate change is the biggest threat to the planet, our natural environment and Cornwall itself, so we’ve put this at the heart of our business.”

FLYING HIGH

A Cornish travel business has been evolving through the pandemic.

Despite the challenging times for the sector, Mark Lawther, owner of the St Austell-based Kernow Travel Company, has taken the opportunity to move to new premises, gain his independent ATOL license and launch a new arm to the business.

He said: “Whilst the number of people taking holidays has obviously decreased during the last 18 months, we’ve taken the time to think about what our customers want and need. This has led to the Kernow Travel Company expanding and growing, which is fantastic.” business, providing tailor made package holidays to people wanting to visit Cornwall.

Previously an online only business, the new premises will give holiday makers the chance to talk in person to a highly experienced travel expert.

Additionally, the Kernow Travel Company has launched an inbound arm to the Lawther, who has worked in the travel industry for over 20 years with a variety of tour operators and airlines in management positions, has also launched the Kernow Travel Company podcast, working with The Cornwall Channel.

FOUR STARS FORESPLANADE

The Esplanade Hotel in Newquay has been awarded four AA stars following an extensive multi-million-pound refurbishment.

The family-run hotel, by Fistral beach, reopened its doors in May with a fresh new look and facilities including its own boutique cinema, a flexible all-day dining offering and adults-only cocktail bar.

Operated by Philema Hospitality Management, The Esplanade Hotel used

the lockdown closure period to undergo an extensive investment programme.

Operations director, Laura Cameron, said: “It’s so incredibly rewarding to receive this achievement after such a challenging year for the hotel and our teams.

“The lockdown has allowed us to carry out planned improvements that would have ordinarily taken years, so it’s a poignant moment for us.”

VISITING VENDORS

The St Moritz Hotel came up with an innovative solution to address the challenge of staff shortages that hit the hospitality industry in the summer.

Through the peak holiday weeks, the hotel closed its Shorecrest Restaurant on Sundays and Mondays to enable muchneeded rest and recuperation for its chefs and front of house staff.

In its place, the St Moritz hosted six independent local food trucks, providing guests the opportunity to experience more of the wonderful foodie delights that Cornwall has to offer.

Director of restaurants, Jonathan Dome, said: “The aftermath of Covid has had nationwide, crippling repercussions on the hospitality industry, with staff shortages that have never been encountered before. Only by prioritising the wellbeing of our team can we continue to uphold the expected standards at St Moritz Hotel and maintain the ‘experience’ that our guests love and enjoy.”