Members of the Cornish Pasty Association (CPA) are predicting a remarkable summer season as the credit crunch is likely to make more British people holiday at home.

This view from travel commentators is backed by the latest figures from the Office of National Statistics which showed a 10.5% decline in overseas travel in October. The South West is likely to be one of the most popular choices for tourists.

Lee Nile, owner of Nile’s Bakery in St Austell and CPA member, said: “We welcome the news that more people will be holidaying in Britain and, in particular, Cornwall. The added number of tourists in the region would certainly increase the footfall into my bakery. Over time, we’ve noticed that the public has taken more of an interest in regional foods and so I have no doubt tourists will be trying proper Cornish produce during their stay.” Phil Ugalde, chairman of the CPA, adds: “The Cornish pasty is one of Cornwall’s most iconic products and the summer holiday period is the peak season for pasty bakers. Tourists’ decision to come to our region would have a tremendously positive impact, and not just for pasty bakers. Many local people benefit from the industry, from farmers to suppliers.”

The impact of the pasty baking upon the Cornish economy is considerable. It is currently estimated that some that some 13,000 people are directly and indirectly benefiting from the trade.

Now 50 members strong, the Cornish Pasty Association was formed in 2002 by a group of enthusiastic pasty makers. The Association was created to safeguard the heritage of the Cornish pasty and to stop consumers from being misled by pasty makers who trade off the value of the name without producing a genuine product.