Fears for Eden Project as visitor numbers plummet

The Eden Project has announced its results for a challenging year, marked by a decline in visitor numbers, losses that have more than doubled, and significant job cuts.

- HOLLY WILLIAMS

The Cornish ecological centre saw a 10 per cent drop in visitor numbers, falling to 543,000 in the year to 31 March from 604,000 previously. This decline was attributed to “more challenging trading conditions in South West tourism”.

Pretax losses for the group deepened to £3.5m, compared with £1.5m the prior year, according to its latest accounts.

A “major restructuring” was undertaken, resulting in 75 job losses.

“The purpose of this was to implement some operating efficiencies and to reduce employment costs,” the group said.