Cornwall's tourism boss: 'People CAN still book their summer holidays here'

It comes after a government minister said it was 'too early' to consider

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 12th Feb 2021

Cornwall's tourism boss is encouraging people to go ahead and book their summer holidays to Cornwall.

It comes after the Health Secretary confirmed he's booked a holiday to the Duchy.

That is despite one of his colleagues telling us all it is too soon to think about organising breaks.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps warned we need to wait and see how the vaccine rollout goes.

But Matt Hancock defended his decision, saying the government's working hard to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Malcolm Bell heads up Visit Cornwall.

He says people can and should still book their summer trips to the Duchy but be aware that things could change.

"Our message to the outside world is you can still book a holiday in Cornwall.

"I don't like to disagree with a government minister but there is nothing wrong with booking a holiday, because if you can't come you will get a refund.

"So get ahead and plan and book, and think of those times where you can be with your loved ones, or grandparents with their grandchildren, in the summer."

Malcolm Bell, Visit Cornwall

He added that is optimistic that things will be open for the summer period.

"I work on the principle that if the health secretary, who understands the health side of things, has booked a holiday this summer in Cornwall, and Boris Johnson has booked a business meeting with lots of others around the world at the G7 in June, then that gives us optimism that we will be open.

"Book away, be aware that something could change, but just carry on booking.

"What you don't want is to not book, then suddenly in July find that you can't find what you want. There is always some accommodation, but if people want to be sure they can get what they want, now is the time to book.

"Phone up, book direct, check the cancellation policies and if you're happy, go ahead and book."

Malcolm Bell, Visit Cornwall

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.