MEDIA RELEASE

28thJune 2010

St Ives Congratulated on BeingFavouriteSeasideTown

Celebrations have been taking place to markSt Ives’ impressiveachievement in an independent Which? Holiday survey whichlisted it as being among the nations favourite seaside towns.

Over 4000 people took part in the poll and showed their love for St Ives’stunning beaches, striking coastline and great choice of clubs, restaurants and attractions, by propelling the town ahead of over 150 destinations to rank it eighth in the list of well-loved top spots. Joining St Ives in the praise was Newquay which scored the sixth place position.

Martin Brooks, Chairman of the Cornwall Development Company of which VisitCornwall is a service, visited St Ives to congratulate the town on the achievement and proudly present the official Which? certificate.Martin comments: “Along with Newquay which also made the top ten, St Ives is a jewel in Cornwall’s crown and recognition in such awell respected survey is very high yet well deserved praise. Both of the towns have a wide appeal and something for all ages and interests, and I believe that it is this, combined with the unique ability to blend traditional with contemporary, that has pushed Newquay and St Ives above other UKdestinations in the hearts and minds of visitors.”

Deputy Mayor for St Ives, Councillor Joan Tanner, accepted the certificate from Martin Brooks on behalf of St Ives: “There is a true passion among St Ives’ businesses to offer a first-class visitor experience and being listed in the top ten seaside towns by visitors themselves shows that we are succeeding in our aim. This recognition should be cherished by local residents and businesses and I hope that it is the start of good things to come for St Ives over the summer.”

Supervisor at St Ives Tourist Information Centre, Camilla Benians, was equally delighted: “This fantastic achievement is testament to the hard work of the people of St Ives and the certificate will be displayed with pride in the Tourist Information Centre. What a fantastic start to the summer for St Ives.”

The survey also provided an optimistic outlook for annual visitor figures as it revealed that 40% of UK adults took a trip to the seaside in 2009, and that this figure was set to increase in 2010. As many as 20% also said they would be more likely to visit a UK seaside resort in 2010 than in 2009.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

The Cornwall Development Company is a local authority company controlled by Cornwall Council. VisitCornwall is a service of the Cornwall Development Company.

VisitCornwall undertakes the destination marketing function for Cornwall and promotes the areas distinctive qualities to the domestic market and key international markets through targeted marketing campaigns each year, focusing on the Spring, Autumn and Winter.

Images

The image accompanying this press release shows:

Left to right:

Cllr Joan Tanner Deputy Mayor of St Ives, Martin Brooks of the Cornwall Development Company, Camilla Benians of St Ives Tourist Information Centre

Further Information

For further information or to arrange interviews please contact:

Teresa TimmsJulia Cox

PR ManagerPR Assistant

VisitCornwallVisitCornwall

01872 32290701872 322928

@visitcornwall.com