Why Cornwall is a 'must visit'
The daily newspaper, among the top 10 best selling papers in the USA, reported in its travel section that London has become "outrageously" expensive, but Cornwall is still a "must-visit".
Journalist Alex Robertson Textor singled out St Ives in particular, which was described as "the UK's last great bargain". He said: "Long a magnet for artists from the UK and well beyond, the Cornish beach town features everything you might want in a British summer seaside idyll – proximity to an undeveloped coastline, stylish boutique hotels, outstanding restaurants, broad beaches, good surfing, galleries and museums."
His only criticism of the seaside town was "its very quaint atmosphere, which can feel a bit precious" - but this was far outweighed by the praise. He also described the South West as "relatively affordable" for those coming across the Atlantic.
Teresa Timms, public relations manager for Visit Cornwall, said: "This article has come at a great time – articles like this are certainly going to help increase numbers."
She said the overseas market represents only about 5 per cent of visitors to the county, of which North American holiday-makers are an even smaller proportion. There has been a further knock to business with the current dollar exchange rate. But the numbers of US visitors are slightly increasing and she puts this down to quality. "The UK, whether it's London, Cornwall or Scotland, is an expensive destination. But if people are getting value for money and great customer service, they are happy to be paying those prices," she said.
While supporting the Westcountry, the New York paper had contempt for London as a tourist destination. The article stated: "Yankee visitors to the capital have collected many a horror story. It is perversely therapeutic to catalogue the outrageous prices for things: $50 for breakfast; $250 for a grubby shoebox of a hotel room with a crappy bed; $8 for a single ride on the Tube."
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