THE LEADER of Cornwall’s tourism body, Visit Cornwall, has been named Cornish Business Leader Of The year at a prestigious awards bash.
Malcolm Bell, chief executive of Visit Cornwall, was given the honour at the 13th annual Hub Awards, held at the Falmouth Hotel in November 2015.
The award recognises his work over the last 12 months in which he has steered Visit Cornwall as it established itself as Community Interest Company having been a service of Cornwall Council for 40 years. Prompted by a 100% loss of Cornwall Council funding, the significant change in business model was driven by Bell, in partnership with key partners from across the tourism industry, in a successful bid to secure Visit Cornwall’s future and the vital services that it provides for tourism businesses.
“Malcolm has poured passion, commitment and countless hours to guide Visit Cornwall to the successful position that it is in today,” said Lord St Levan, chair of Visit Cornwall.
“Cornwall was in danger of losing its destination marketing organisation, the voice of the Cornwall visitor economy, but from a potential crisis has been born a proactive enterprise that is run by the tourism industry, for the tourism industry. Malcolm has been at the heart of this fundamental transformation.
“The award is richly deserved and I am thrilled to see Malcolm receive the recognition that he has so fully earned.”
Mr Bell has also recently been made a Fellow of the Tourism Management Institute (TMI), the destination management section of the Tourism Society.
Neil McCollum MTMI, outgoing TMI President, said: “Malcolm has been an innovator in destination management for over two decades, and an international leader in sustainable tourism. An active member, friend and supporter of TMI, Malcolm has contributed to several TMI events through the years as well as being keen to learn from the sharing of best practice.”
“I am equally surprised and delighted to be given these awards,” said Mr Bell. “The last twelve months have been very challenging but incredibility rewarding. The support we have received from Cornish tourism businesses has fuelled our passion to secure Visit Cornwall’s future and it wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our Board of Directors. I am lucky to have such amazing support around me and look forward to what the future holds.”
