The Eden Project in Cornwall will cut 80 jobs due to a significant drop in tourist numbers, marking a decade low.
Cornwall: The Eden Project is cutting 80 jobs. This comes after a big drop in visitors. It’s the lowest number in ten years.
Tim Jones from the South West Business Council shared that 2024 has been tough. Visitor numbers have fallen, causing financial worries for the project.
The Eden Project looked at all options before deciding on job cuts. They want to keep the organization stable in the long run.
Out of 400 workers, 20% will be let go. Some will take voluntary redundancy or retire.
A spokesperson mentioned that economic challenges led to these tough decisions. They noted that many factors contributed to the situation.
Despite a rise in visitor numbers last year, the project still faced a £1.5 million loss. They had about 50,000 more visitors, but costs were high.
Malcolm Bell, a tourism expert, said this year has been the flattest for tourism he can remember. People are cutting back on spending, including holidays.
Tourism is vital for Cornwall, contributing 15% to the local economy. It brings in about £2 billion each year.
Upcoming changes in National Insurance could also impact places like the Eden Project. Many retailers are planning to reduce staff due to these changes.
A government spokesperson emphasized the importance of a strong tourism sector for the economy. They are working to help businesses manage costs.
