City shopkeepers confident ahead of summer season

Traders in a Cornish seaside town are confident ahead of the busy summer ahead, they say.

Ice cream vendors, surfboard hire and spade and bucket shops in Perranporth said the summer season has already started and they are feeling optimistic about the coming months.

The bank holiday weekend at the end of May is traditionally seen as the start of the busy tourist season, as it is the start of term for schools.

According to Visit Cornwall, around £34 million is expected to be spent across the county this summer.

This figure includes around £6.2m spent on retail, £8.84m on food and drink, £4.8m on culture/heritage/attractions, with the remainder on accommodation and travel .

However, due to weather challenges, the cost of living and overseas competition, the tourism board also said it expects visitor numbers to drop by 15% to 20% in a normal year.

Pavilion Ice’s Matt Burrell said “people should come here” this summer.

He said: “When the weather is shining it is the best place in the world.

“We have a lot of people visiting from Devon, Wales.

“We all know what it’s like in the country at the moment so it’s great to see people around.”

Asked if he was optimistic about the Cornish summer season crowds, he said: “Let’s hope so.”

Alison, from Higgins Beach Shop, said she was hoping for a “good summer”.

She said: “The weather hasn’t been kind to us so far this year, which doesn’t help small beach shops like us.

“But at the same time, it’s early in the season – all we need is a bit of sunshine in August.

“Cornwall doesn’t need to be as crowded as it is in Covid – I actually think it’s nicer if it isn’t, so I’m optimistic.

“I think maybe we’re going back to what’s normal.”

Local bistro staff member Emily Jones said she was “very hopeful” for a busy summer.

She said: “When it’s a sunny day, people come here for breakfast and then go to the beach.

“It’s a great start to the season; that’s what we rely on.

“The summer season is what we need here because the winter is very quiet. I am very hopeful.”

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