For luxury group tour operators and travel agents in the USA, the UK offers a rich tapestry of destinations, with Scotland often leading the charge due to its iconic landscapes and historical depth. However, Cornwall and South West England provide an equally compelling narrative for travelers seeking a unique British experience.
At Cornwall DMC, the region’s only specialist destination management company, we can offer a full range of ground services including accommodation, transport, itineraries and local guides. We cater to small agencies with bespoke groups, couples and families, large tour operators from across the USA and Canada with programmes requiring room allocations and high end luxury FIT clients. Here’s our look at these two destinations:
Cornwall: Art and Literature: Cornwall has been a haven for artists and writers, from the St Ives art colony to the literary inspiration of Daphne du Maurier. Groups with an interest in art can engage in workshops, visit galleries, or explore the Barbara Hepworth Museum.
Surfing and Coastal Adventures: For those passionate about water sports, Cornwall’s beaches are ideal for surfing, coasteering, and kayaking, offering activities not as prevalent in Scotland.
Scotland: Whisky and Tartan: Ideal for enthusiasts of Scotland’s national drink and traditional wear, offering distillery tours, tastings, and even weaving workshops.
Hiking and Wilderness: Scotland’s national parks like the Cairngorms are perfect for groups interested in mountaineering, wildlife, and the rugged outdoors.
Cornwall’s Edge: For those looking for a blend of cultural arts and water-based activities, Cornwall offers a more temperate climate and a different kind of natural beauty that’s less about the mountains and more about the sea.
Cornwall: Mining Heritage: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Cornwall’s mining landscape tells the story of the industrial revolution in a way that’s unique, with sites like Geevor Tin Mine offering educational tours.
Celtic Identity: Cornwall has its own distinct Celtic culture, language, and folklore, providing a different cultural narrative than Scotland’s well-known history.
Scotland: Castles and Clan History: From Edinburgh Castle to the remote fortresses, Scotland’s history is intertwined with its clan system and battles for independence.
Bagpipes and Highland Games: Cultural experiences here include traditional music, dance, and athletic events that showcase Scottish identity.
Cornwall’s Edge: Cornwall offers a more intimate look at a less explored aspect of British history and a living culture that’s both unique and vibrant.
Cornwall: Seafood and Local Produce: Known for its fresh seafood, Cornish pasties, and the controversial cream tea, Cornwall’s culinary scene is rich and varied, with top chefs often focusing on locally sourced ingredients.
Wine and Ale: Emerging vineyards and traditional ales provide a taste experience that contrasts with Scotland’s more established beer culture.
Scotland: Gastronomic Traditions: Haggis, neeps, and tatties, along with a burgeoning modern food scene, offer a taste of Scotland’s culinary heritage.
Whisky: An unparalleled whisky culture, with distilleries offering tours and tastings, is a significant draw.
Cornwall’s Edge: For groups interested in a vibrant, seafood-centric culinary journey with a nod to sustainability, Cornwall provides a fresh alternative.
Cornwall: Coastal Wonders: With its stunning coastline, Cornwall offers dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches, ideal for groups interested in coastal walks on South West Coast Path, beach relaxation, and water sports.
Gardens: The region’s mild climate supports lush gardens like the Eden Project, offering a different kind of natural beauty.
Scotland: Mountainous Majesty: The Highlands, Lochs, and islands like Skye offer rugged landscapes that are perfect for those who love the wilderness and photography.
Golf: Scotland’s golf courses, from St Andrews to Royal Dornoch, are legendary.
Cornwall’s Edge: If your group is drawn to the sea, sun, and the unique biodiversity of subtropical gardens, Cornwall provides a contrast to Scotland’s more austere beauty.
Cornwall: The Isles of Scilly: A subtropical paradise with clear waters, sandy beaches, and a unique ecosystem, offering exclusivity and tranquility.The biodiversity here, especially for birdwatchers, is exceptional.
Scotland: Hebrides and Orkney: Known for their stark beauty, ancient sites, and wildlife, these islands offer a different kind of adventure and exploration.
Cornwall’s Edge: For a more Mediterranean feel without leaving the UK, the Isles of Scilly provide an intimate, less-tourist alternative to Scotland’s more famous island chains.
Luxury and Exclusivity
Scotland: Castle Stays: Scotland has an array of castle hotels offering luxury stays with a historical twist. The grandeur and the historical ambiance can be a unique selling point.
Cornwall: Intimate Luxury: Cornwall’s luxury accommodations often provide a more intimate, eco-conscious experience, with sea views and private beaches. Award winning boutique hotels blend modern luxury with the natural environment.
For luxury groups looking to delve into a different side of Britain, where the sea meets the land in a symphony of colors and flavors, Cornwall stands out as a destination that complements and contrasts with Scotland, ensuring a memorable and exclusive travel experience.
About Us
Based in Cornwall we’re the only full service destination management company for our region. Recommended partner of Visit Cornwall, the official tourism board, we work with tour operators, agents and individual group leaders from the US offering it as part of complete packages that can include London, Southern England and the rest of the UK & Ireland.
What we offer:
We’d be pleased to answer any questions you have or to discuss the possibility of creating bespoke travel products for you or your clients