Cornwall and Devon report surge in tourism after wind farm tours

In the United Kingdom, a notable rise in tourism is reported in the South West region, particularly in Cornwall and Devon. According to tourism boards, early indicators show promising booking trends with a significant increase in day visitors. This renewed interest coincides with a growing number of international tourists from regions such as North America, Canada, Japan, and India, who are increasingly choosing these areas as their travel destination. Attractions within Devon, like the River Dart Country Park, are already experiencing benefits from these trends, leading to predictions of a strong tourism season ahead this year. Tourism officials believe that the combination of favorable weather conditions, along with a robust holiday season, has been instrumental in driving the surge in interest and bookings. Specifically, Roger Sell, who manages the River Dart Country Park, noted that bookings for the upcoming summer months are looking positive, and that the park is fully prepared to welcome visitors. Furthermore, Devon is expected to see an estimated 868,000 visitors during the Whitsun week of 2025, marking a slight increase from 867,000 visitors in the previous year. In addition to these regional reports, the Rampion wind farm in Sussex is emerging as a surprising attraction for tourists. Despite initial concerns from critics about how the large wind turbines might detract from the scenic beauty of Brighton's coastline and the South Downs National Park, local sentiment seems to be shifting. Many visitors are curious about the wind farm, with some describing the turbines as beautiful and technically impressive when seen up close. Tim Nightingale, a visitor, expressed that experiencing the wind farm was something unique that he would not normally encounter, while his wife appreciated the mechanics of the turbines despite feeling seasick during their visit. The demand for turbine-related tourism is leading to economic benefits for local businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. Companies like Brighton Diver, which operates tours to see the Rampion wind farm, are finding that local residents and tourists alike are interested in learning more about the turbines and viewing them up close. Fishing trips around the offshore wind farms are also rising in popularity, suggesting that the wind farms are not only generating energy but also creating opportunities for tourism. Thus, both the traditional tourism sectors in Cornwall and Devon, alongside the burgeoning turbine tourism around Rampion, are contributing considerably to the positive outlook for the region in 2025. With increasing international visitors and a growing appreciation for wind farm aesthetics, the South West of England seems well-positioned for a bustling tourism season ahead.