Mixed weather brings good fortune for tourism
BBCAs the Easter break concludes, businesses in Falmouth have been reflecting on a tourism season start marked by fluctuating weather and promising growth.
The South West Business Council has reported the best Easter bookings in three years, up 4% from last year.
Kim Spencer, a director of Visit Cornwall, said: "There's been positive feedback from the industry after the Easter break; there's a feel-good factor."
Castle Beach Cafe owner Emily Davidson said the weather changes highlighted the benefits of the business's new indoor area, which she said proved invaluable during rainy days.
Ms Davidson's cafe saw a 20% increase in sales compared with last Easter, and she has expanded her team to 18 staff members.
She said: "Good Friday was pouring with rain, and we took about three times as much as we would on any other rainy day."
Trent Turton, co-owner of Dough n Dowr, a mobile pizza and bagel business, said it was a busy Easter weekend, with improved weather compared with previous years.
"This year has been really good, the weather's been better than the last two years, and it's just getting better and better," he said.
The National Maritime Museum Cornwall experienced a surge in visitors on stormy days, with visitor experience manager Kevin Guinchard saying there had been more than 1,600 visitors on a particularly wet Tuesday.
Cal Walker, owner of the Black Cat cocktail bar, reported a quieter Easter due to the bar's student-heavy clientele being away during the holiday.
Despite varied experiences, traders such as Tash Berks of Bookmark book shop said they remained optimistic.
"It's been busy, lots of people. I buzz off being busy," she said, adding she was hoping the momentum would continue into the coming summer season.
Kim Spencer, a director of Visit Cornwall, said: "There's been positive feedback from the industry after the Easter break; there's a feel-good factor.
"I think because the weather was mixed, it means that everybody has had the chance to benefit from that.
"Consumers are still impacted by the cost of living, and they're still a bit cautious about spending.
"But, when the sun comes out, then the phone does start ringing."
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