Cornwall’s long-standing reliance on tourism is under threat as locals report falling visitor numbers and rising closures of attractions, hotels and shops.

The debate over second-home ownership and holiday lets continues to divide residents, but many are warning that an anti-tourism stance could cause irreparable damage to the local economy.

Writing in the comments section of a Cornwall Live article, commenter 'Jon18' said: “Holiday lets bring over £40 million into Cornwall's economy annually and are responsible for thousands of jobs.

"If we lose tourists, the county will suffer.”

This concern comes as Cornwall struggles with an 8.7% decline in visitor numbers this year, part of a post-pandemic trend that has forced several attractions to shut their doors.

Among these closures are beloved family attractions and budget hotels that once drew crowds to Cornwall's coastline. Another local nicknamed 'Boscastle' observed an increase in holiday lets going up for sale, questioning the factors driving tourists away.

Rising costs associated with holidaying in Cornwall, such as higher accommodation and dining prices, have been cited by several residents.

Commenter 'Archie2021' said: “If it wasn't so expensive to come here on holiday, maybe fewer people would buy holiday properties in Cornwall. Blame the hotels and holiday parks, it’s become so expensive after Covid.”

The closure of local attractions and the drop in tourists has not only hurt the economy but has also deepened frustrations about how best to manage Cornwall’s identity as both a tourist hotspot and a residential community.

Some residents have pointed to second homes as a key factor driving housing shortages and leaving villages deserted outside of peak holiday seasons.

The economic decline tied to reduced tourism has sparked anxiety among business owners and workers reliant on seasonal visitors. According to 'Jon18', the argument that second homes and holiday lets can simply be converted into long-term housing is unrealistic.

“Most of these properties are at the luxury end of the market. Many are owned by locals trying to supplement their income. Contrary to what folks believe, holiday lets will not convert to full-time rental as being a landlord today is just not viable.”

At the same time, ex-rentals have flooded the property market, with landlords selling up due to tighter regulations and rising costs.

“Thousands of landlords are selling up because of government legislation,” Jon18 added. This shift further reduces the availability of rental properties, compounding the housing crisis.

While many agree that Cornwall’s economy cannot sustain a decline in tourism, there is division over who bears responsibility for the housing crisis. Some locals argue that families who sell homes to out-of-county buyers are part of the problem.

“Every local person or business who sold property to those out of the county are to blame,” said commenter 'BristolVR', pointing to the economic pressures that drive these sales.

Others contend that the blame lies with insufficient council action on building affordable homes.

'KentuckyRain' added: “The council has failed to build homes in sufficient quantities, and a proportion of those it does build with taxpayers' money are laughably called 'affordable.’ Affordable by whom?”