Welcome to Newquay, 'Hawaii of Europe'

NEWQUAY could become "the Hawaii of Europe" if plans to turn the Cornish resort into a year-round destination for tourists across the globe come to fruition, writes the WMN's Ryan Hooper.

A new think tank about the future of the resort is set to be held in January, in a bid to relaunch Newquay as a "world class tourist resort".

The move is the latest initiative organised by Cornwall Council's Newquay Safe group, following a summer blighted by the deaths of 16-year-old Paddy Higgins and Andrew Curwell, 18, who died after falling from cliffs during separate nights out in the town. Residents later marched outside council headquarters demanding action following frequent reports of anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking.

January's NewSTART event, which stands for Newquay Safe, Tourism and Residents Together, will allow those with opinions of the resort's future to come together to voice their concerns, goals and possible solutions.

The idea has received universal praise from those charged with promoting the resort, which is keen to shed its recent image of party destination for anti-social revellers. Teresa Timms, spokesman for Visit Cornwall, said Newquay had the potential to become "the Hawaii of Europe".

She said: "Within the UK and parts of Europe, Newquay has a strong brand.

"People tend to associate Cornwall, and particularly Newquay, with surfing.

"People like to travel down to this part of the country with a surf board on their roof rack, to wear the surfing clothing and enjoy the lifestyle which, I think, is not just for younger people but for all ages.

"However, everyone will need to step up their game. It is not just the four- and five-star resorts, but the surf lodges too. Everyone needs to show that excellent level of service and quality that makes Cornwall and Newquay so popular."

Cornwall councillor Geoff Brown, who has lived in Newquay for 50 years, said the resort was working hard to make the resort a year-round destination, which could have surfing at its heart.

He said: "Thinking back to the 1970s, the season started in Easter and finished at the end of October. Guest houses, hotels and lodges were full up right until the end.

"What we need to do is attract all sorts of people to the town, and I think we are going in the right direction."

NewSTART is due to be launched at the Newquay Sports Centre on January 14, with spokesmen from key groups in the town invited to share ideas.

Lance Kennedy, Cornwall Council Cabinet member for stronger communities, said: "The event will kick-start an intense period of planning for the future which it is hoped will result in a long-term plan for success."

Anyone wanting to contribute to the event can e-mail the Newquay Safe team at newquaysafe@cornwall.gov.uk