The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall visit the Isles of Scilly in July 2015
The number of people visiting the Isles of Scilly has risen by 15% in the last two years and tourism is now worth £50million to the Scilly Islands' economy each year, according to the Islands Partnership, which runs the official tourist board guide, Visit Isles of Scilly.
The Islands Partnership reports a 9% increase in visitors in the 2015 season, building on the 6% rise in 2014 - with The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall amongst those spending time on the islands last summer. The tourism increase is reflected in the number of visitors to www.visitislesofscilly.com, which recorded 30% more hits in 2015 compared with the year previous. To date, over 700,000 people have visited the website this year, looking for information on accommodation, places to visit, things to do and how to get around. The islands’ have also experienced their largest cruise ship season to date with 17,500 passengers from 43 ships coming ashore to see what Scilly has to offer.
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St Mary's Quay
In October 2015, the Isles of Scilly celebrated being named Best UK Destination for Families at the Family Traveller Awards which took place at The Shard in London. The outcome was decided by an online public vote alongside an expert panel of judges which included writers and broadcasters Mariella Frostrup; Simon Reeve; Jane Knight, Editor of The Times; Sue Ward Davies, Travel & Lifestyle Director at Elle and Jane Anderson, Family Traveller Editor.
Accepting the Award, Visit Isles of Scily Executive Director, David Jackson said: "We've always known that Scilly is a great place for family holidays - children can be free and feel safe, whilst parents can truly relax and unwind. And yet there is so much for families to enjoy: island hopping, snorkelling with seals, kayaking, coasteering, paddle boarding, wildlife safaris or simply beachcombing on deserted white sandy beaches! We're delighted to receive this recognition; our thanks to Family Traveller and of course all those who voted for us."
The Duchess of Cornwall meets locals and visitors on St Agnes
In the same month, The Scilly tourism guide and website won Gold and Silver Awards respectively at the British Destinations Conference in Blackpool. Judges said the brochure won Gold because they felt it was clean, classic and very fitting of the destination. Scilly took Silver in the website category with the judges complimenting the high-quality photography and contemporary design.
Duchy of Cornwall Deputy Land Steward, Luke Humphries was elected as one of the Directors to the Islands’ Partnership following a members’ ballot at the Annual General Meeting earlier this year. The Islands’ Partnership (IP) is a non-profit making company, funded entirely by membership subscription together with some corporate sponsorship.
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