As the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, celebrates its 25 year anniversary, its CEO Andy Jasper urged operators to be bold, and said that the success of the charity proves the economic model for nature-based tourism regeneration projects.
An impact report released early in March showed that the charitable trust has delivered £6.8bn in total economic impact and £5.7bn additional economic impact for Cornwall since opening in 2001.
“The Eden Project is proof that a relatively modest investment can produce a very significant economic and social impact,” said Jasper, speaking to Attractions Management.
“When you look back at the photos of the original site - a barren, disused china clay pit - you just think, how on earth was this created? At that point, it seemed impossible, but as Nelson Mandela said, it always seems impossible until it’s done.
“With a relatively small £210m capital spend, this incredible global garden was created, with rich environments and beautiful biomes dripping with plants, and it has resulted in £6.8bn going into the local and regional economy.”
“And it’s not just about economic impact - it’s also about attitudinal change; about fostering a sense of hope and the motivation to do something positive.”
Asked what advice Jasper had for attractions operators and governments based on the lessons learned at Eden, the charity’s CEO said: “Dream big, invest and have confidence, and do it with a bit of style.”
The Realm of the Sun is this beautiful biomedripping with plants. The Realm of the Moon will offer a very different experience. It’s a darker, theatrical space, which will mix incredible technology with traditional theatrical and puppetry experiences
The case for nature-based tourism
The success of the Eden Project shows the huge potential of nature-based tourism projects, added Jasper.
“We should be doing so much more,” he said. “It’s so important to invest in our natural resources and places that enrich our lives. It’s clear how much benefit people get, both physically and mentally, from spending time outside in beautiful places.
“The world needs more of that radical thinking that Sir Tim [Smit] pioneered 25 years ago.”
According to the report, Eden has attracted more than 25 million visitors to its rainforest and Mediterranean biomes, with 80 per cent travelling from outside Cornwall. The report also says that the charity has reached more than one million children and young people through specialised education programmes.
Looking ahead
“Taking a look back is a really healthy thing to do, as we open the doors to the next 25 years of the Eden Project,” said Jasper.
In February 2026, planning approval was granted for the new designs for Eden Project Morecambe, and construction is expected to start at the end of June 2026.
The evolved designs for the new eco attraction in Lancashire, North West England, feature two rather than the original four biomes, in order to keep within budget. The design is by Grimshaw Architects.
The shell-inspired biomes will be named the Realm of the Sun and the Realm of the Moon, and will be linked by a central arrival building known as the metronome. The attraction will also feature a concert arena, and extensive gardens, including an expanded, permanent version of the Bring Me Sunshine Garden, Eden’s 25th‑anniversary showpiece at this summer’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026. It is due to open in 2028.
“When we were approached about helping to create something incredible in Morecambe, it was an absolute no-brainer,” said Jasper. “It’s an area that’s very deprived and ready for an injection of economic energy, and it has a fantastic seaside location.
“We used the tide as inspiration, because it dominates and transforms the landscape there, creating 100 square metres of land when it goes out, and coming in faster than a galloping horse. Morecambe is like one massive magnifying glass on the incredible connection we have to the rhythms of the natural world.
“The Realm of the Sun is this beautiful biome dripping with plants. The Realm of the Moon will offer a very different experience. It’s a darker, theatrical space, which will mix incredible technology with traditional theatrical and puppetry experiences.”
The Eden Project Scotland is expected to open in 2031. Housed in a disused gasworks in Dundee, it will feature a biome, a visitor centre and a 10,000 capacity area, which will be used as an ice rink in the winter.
“If you imagine taking a samurai sword and slicing through one of the big gasometers, putting a huge biome on top of it and filling it with subtropical plants - that gives you an idea of what to expect,” said Jasper.
