Eden Project losses more than double as visitor numbers slump
World-famous eco park blames NI rises and higher costs as it cuts jobs
The Eden Project said pre tax losses for the year to March 31 rose to 3.5 million pounds, more than double the 1.5 million pounds recorded the year before, as visitor numbers declined and labour costs rose. Attendance slipped 10 percent to 543,000 from 604,000, underscoring what the group called more challenging trading conditions in South West tourism.
During the period the Cornwall based attraction carried out a major restructuring, cutting 75 jobs, as it sought to reduce its wage bill by around 20 percent. It cited inflation and the impact of the UK budget for 2024, including the rise in national insurance contributions from April, as contributing to higher operating costs. The update follows earlier signals that the project would pursue efficiency measures to protect its finances.
The Eden Project emphasised that it remains a must visit location and that visitors continue to come in large numbers, including a mix of first-time guests and returning visitors. The organisation said it was still expanding its offerings and aiming to deliver experiences that are out of the ordinary even as it navigates tougher trading conditions.
The update comes days after the death of Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, 85, the architect who designed the project, with the company noting the loss as it works through restructuring. Opened in March 2002 in a disused quarry near St Austell in Cornwall, the Eden Project has drawn millions of visitors over its history. The latest accounts illustrate the pressures facing a popular tourist site as it seeks to adapt to a softer demand environment while maintaining its distinctive appeal.
As the project presses ahead with its plans, it has highlighted the enduring appeal of the Eden experience, while acknowledging a need to balance visitor growth with prudent cost control. The organization remains confident that its brand and its mission to showcase ecological learning will continue to attract audiences even as it adjusts to a shifting tourism backdrop.
