The Eden Project has announced it will cut about 80 jobs due to increased costs and declining visitation.

The visitor attraction, which its largest site in Cornwall near St Austell, said it had “explored every option” and the decision would “ensure the long-term economic stability of the organisation”.

A spokesperson said the departure of 80 employees, including 19 who elected to leave voluntarily, would lead to a 20% payroll reduction.

It said it was facing “significantly increased costs” at a time when the visitor economy in the South West was contracting.

A consultation period lasting at least 45 days will now begin, said the spokesperson.

The spokesperson said “every effort” would be made to minimise job losses, with alternative roles or retraining offered where possible.

“Affected team members will be supported by the Members Assembly, the Eden Project’s staff representative body,” they said.

Explaining the reasons behind the decision, the spokesperson said: “A number of factors including the contraction of the visitor economy across the South West as well as significantly increased costs to businesses have made this process necessary.

“This process will set us on a path to continue our vital work as an environmental charity and a thriving visitor destination for our second quarter century and beyond.”

The boss of Cornwall’s tourist board has previously described 2024 as the “flattest year” he could remember.

Visit Cornwall executive chairman Malcolm Bell attributed a decline in visitors to a combination of poor weather, the general election and cost of living pressures.

A two-day tourism summit in Truro earlier this month also heard tax hikes could be “the end of the road” for some.

From attractions such as the Eden Project, to hotels and holiday parks, 2024 was a tough year for many in the tourism sector.

Other factors are important too – including staffing costs.

Changes announced in the Budget mean increases in National Insurance and wages kick in this April.

The government says those measures are part of its “Plan for Change” which will “get Britain building, unlock investment, and support business so we can make all parts of the country better off”.

It has left many tourism bosses considering how many people they have on their payroll.