Agenda item

To consider the recommendation of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee following the findings of the Tourism Task and Finish Group, and to approve a Project Initiation Document for ‘Developing a New Strategy for the Visitor Economy’, and allocate resources accordingly.

RESOLVED

1)          On the recommendation of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that Option 4 as set out in section 9.1 of the Report of the Tourism Task and Finish Group be agreed:- ’That the Council sets out a brief but clear vision which sets the aspiration, establishes the baseline information and leads the initiative required to bring partners together to develop the visitor economy under one robust and coherent strategy and five-year plan.’

2)          That the Project Initiation Document for ‘Developing a New Strategy for the Visitor Economy’ be approved and that, noting the detail of funding required totalling £65,000, funding of £46,000 be requested from the Pooled Business Rate Fund and £19,000 from CDC reserves be approved to cover this expenditure.

The Cabinet considered the report circulated with the agenda, together with a third appendix in the form of a letter from Dr Andrew Clegg, Chairman of Visit Chichester, circulated with the supplement to the agenda (copies attached to the official minutes).

Mrs Keegan introduced the report, explaining that the proposals derived from the work of a Task and Finish Group set up by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Following their report, a detailed Project Initiation Document (PID) had been prepared which set out the research required to develop a strategy. This required funding amounting to £19,000 from the District Council and £46,000 for partnership research from the Pooled Business Rates Fund governed by the West Sussex Chief Executives and Leaders Groups.

Mr Oates (Economic Development Manager) explained that the Task and Finish Group had carried out a lot of background work. There was a need now, following the strong advice of the Chief Executive of Visit Durham, to carry out research to develop an objective understanding of visitor behaviour and to provide a baseline. He believed that there was a huge opportunity for the area to become a leading destination for tourism, and that working with both the private and public sectors was needed to develop this potential.

At the Chairman’s invitation, Mrs Apel (Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee) reported that the Committee had set up the Task and Finish Group because the huge potential of the district as a visitor destination was not being exploited properly. The Group had studied the issues and potential in detail and believed there were great possibilities to bring economic growth and new jobs to the area.

Mrs Hardwick asked whether infrastructure constraints would be taken into account in the research. Mr Oates replied that the infrastructure of the area was a given, but if the visitor economy was driven more seriously it would provide a strong influence towards improving transport and other infrastructure, and it could attract inward investment, particularly in terms of visitor accommodation. However, other members drew attention to the possibility that access problems could inhibit visitors.

Mrs Lintill asked what the proposed research would add to work that was already being undertaken by the Coastal West Sussex Partnership. Mr Oates replied that that there was a need to understand areas to the north and east of the district and that the Task and Finish Group had wanted to move faster than other authorities in the Coastal West Sussex area. The Chief Executive added that she was about to meet the Chief Executives of Arun, Adur and Worthing Councils. She believed that there was a need for a piece of focussed research over a six month period and she hoped to secure agreement to this being jointly commissioned.

Mr Finch drew attention to the need for the Council to focus on where it could add value and not get in the way. Mrs Keegan agreed and explained that the proposed research was supported by Visit Chichester, who would be a key partner. It would evaluate who came to the area and what attracted them, with the aim of extending stays.

Mr Thomas (Chairman of the Council) added that he had served on the Task and Finish Group. The major tourism businesses had their own objectives and strategies and it was important to work with them. It was noteworthy that other cities in southern England had highly visible tourist information points and there was a need to improve information and signposting for tourists. Mr Barrow commented that Visit Chichester had an attractive website but was very short of real information on tourist accommodation.

The Chairman drew attention to the existing importance of tourism in the local economy and the need to develop this further.

RESOLVED

(1)        On the recommendation of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, that Option 4 as set out in section 9.1 of the Report of the Tourism Task and Finish Group be agreed:- ’That the Council sets out a brief but clear vision which sets the aspiration, establishes the baseline information and leads the initiative required to bring partners together to develop the visitor economy under one robust and coherent strategy and five-year plan.’

(2)        That the Project Initiation Document for ‘Developing a New Strategy for the Visitor Economy’ be approved and that, noting the detail of funding required totalling £65,000, funding of £46,000 be requested from the Pooled Business Rate Fund and £19,000 from CDC reserves be approved to cover this expenditure.

(Mrs Lintill left the meeting)