Harry
500,000 is about a tenth of the number of visitors each year.
If you lived in Cornwall and REALLY knew the place you would be aware just how much it has grown in terms of business and technology over very recent years.
I have always been sceptical about the future of Newquay and remain that way, I have always said its return to profit can only be achieved by bolt on activities and it is great that this is happening.
I would certainly use Manchester as a hub rather than Heathrow or Gatwick except for now anyway my regular route is not served from Manchester. If it were I would switch in a heartbeat.
You mention Devon in a previous post.. isn't that in England?