The Eden Project has suffered severe financial losses after visitor numbers plummeted by 10% in a challenging year for Cornwall's tourism industry. The ecological attraction near St Austell saw visitor numbers drop from 604,000 to 543,000 in the year to March 31.
Pre-tax losses more than doubled from £1.5 million to £3.5 million as the centre faced what it described as "more challenging trading conditions in South West tourism". The dramatic deterioration in finances prompted urgent cost-cutting measures across the organisation.
Major job cuts implemented
The Eden Project conducted a "major restructuring" that resulted in 75 job losses as management sought to implement operating efficiencies and reduce employment costs. The attraction had already warned of potential redundancies in January as it looked to slash its wage bill by around 20%.
Management cited the "general inflationary impact of the UK Government budget 2024 and specifically the increase in the costs of national insurance contributions from April" as additional financial pressures. These rising costs compounded the existing challenges facing the popular tourist destination.
Iconic attraction maintains appeal
The Eden Project remains famous for its distinctive bubble-like structures and giant domes housing thousands of plant species from around the world. The attraction was originally designed by renowned architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, who died earlier this month aged 85.
Despite the financial difficulties, the centre said many visitors still regard it as a "must visit" location and somewhere for "doing something new/out of the ordinary". The attraction continues to welcome a mix of first-time visitors alongside returning guests who have visited in previous years.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
