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The number of people wanting to book holiday cottages in Cornwall could increase in the future if a new consultation on how to promote Newquay as a world-class tourism destination is successful.

Known as NewSTART, the event will give people in the county the opportunity to discuss how it can be rebranded as a one of the best holiday spots in the world.

Among those set to attend include tourism bosses and local residents, with all parties involved to discuss potential ways of relaunching the seaside town”s image.

Teresa Timms of Visit Cornwall was quoted by the Western Morning News as saying that Newquay could potentially be turned into the “Hawaii of Europe” by tapping into the popular surf culture, which, she stated, is enjoyed by people of all ages.

Cornwall regularly hosts surfing competitions and Joanna Symons told the Daily Telegraph recently that it is one of the best places to enjoy the sport in the UK.

Posted by Toby Lawrence

Many people want to increase their cultural awareness or learn a new skill while on holiday, it has been suggested.

According to editor of thetravelmagazine.net Sharron Livingston, holidaymakers are increasingly looking to try “something a little different” when on a break, something that a stay in holiday cottages in Cornwall may be able to provide.

The county is especially popular with those interested in watersports and it may be that people enjoying Cornwall holidays use their time there to learn how to surf.

“Culture, adventure, activity and learning holidays offer time out with a feeling of having done something worthwhile,” Ms Livingstone remarked.

She added that as well as being fulfilling, such breaks give people experience that are “great for after-dinner conversation”.

According to Visit Cornwall, there is a variety of reef and beach breaks on both the north and south coasts of the county, creating conditions that suit surfers of all abilities.

It recommends checking out the Reef Surf School in Newquay and the Wales Surf School in St Merryn, among others.

Posted by Ben Webster

A school kitchen employee from Cornwall who uses local produce has picked up a national award for his work.

According to the Packet, 42-year-old John Rankin of Penair Secondary School was given the ”best dinner lady or man award” at the 2009 Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards.

Speaking after picking up the accolade, he said that his success is “good for Cornwall” due to the fact that he uses local produce to make the meals.

Judges also praised Mr Rankin’s introduction of exotic cuisine such as ostrich, venison and snails at the school, where the number of pupils taking school dinners had increased from 30 to 300.

The quality of Cornwall’s local produce was recently praised by visitor Alice Haine, who recently told Emirates Business 24/7 that the county is home to some “unforgettable” food.

She said that restaurants produce “wonderful flavours” with locally-sourced items, something that may be welcomed by those planning a stay in Cornwall holiday cottages.

Posted by Andrew Hill