Tourism Newquay

Tourism Newquay CIC Status

Mon 14th Dec

No doubt many of you will have seen the recent articles in both the Guardian, and Voice newspapers with regards Tourism Newquay’s CIC status — the Chamber’s Executive felt it important to address some of the issues raised.

Firstly, we fully support the principal of a dedicated marketing effort for Newquay, and welcome the work done to change peoples perceptions of Newquay and attract the right kind of visitor. We are however concerned that a poor piece of housekeeping has resulted in Tourism Newquay receiving attention for all the wrong reasons.

Secondly, promotional material states (alongside claims of CIC status) that Tourism Newquay is “a not for profit organisation” [1] and that “all revenue received is used for further promotional efforts”.[1] We have had assurances from VisitCornwall on more than one occasion that money paid by Newquay businesses to Tourism Newquay is used exclusively for the promotion of Newquay.

Finally, Mike McLaren attended a recent “Open Meeting” held by the Chamber where he stated that he was a member of Tourism Newquay, that he had paid money to Tourism Newquay on the basis that it was a donation to a CIC, and asked would the Chamber be helping him and other Tourism Newquay members get their money back.

Our initial response to Mr McLaren was that he should take up this matter directly with VisitCornwall, that if it was the case that he had been mislead he would likely receive his money back, but that it was our understanding that the money was paid for a listing on Newquay’s official website and for marketing Newquay, and that we would clarify our position once we had reviewed the matter further.

Having reviewed the information available in 2009 promotional material: –

  • all eligible businesses were/are entitled to receive FREE membership to Tourism Newquay, and as a benefit of membership were/are entitled to receive a FREE “one line entry” on the visitnewquay.org website,[2]
  • all members of Tourism Newquay were/are entitled to enhance their presence on the visitnewquay.org website upon payment of the appropriate fee;[3]

it is clear that money paid to Tourism Newquay was for the promotion of the member business, and not for membership (which was free of charge), and on that basis any claim for a refund is unlikely to be upheld.*


[1] Help us make waves! Be part of something special with Tourism Newquay and visitnewquay.org, the official tourism website for Newquay…
[2] Tourism Newquay Membership Information
[3] Enhanced Online Entry & Banner Advert Booking Form

* Disclaimer — The information above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should not act or fail to act based on the information above without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice about your specific facts and circumstances.