Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Head of Communities and Governance the Community Well-Being Policy Development Group had recommended that the Tourism Action Plan for 2016/17 be approved.  The Cabinet at its meeting on 11 February resolved that the item be deferred until the next meeting to allow further work to take place with a view to including more rural based actions with the action plan.

Arising from a report from the Head of Communities and Governance, the Community Well-Being Policy Development Group had recommended that the Tourism Action Plan for 2016/17 be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Regeneration outlined the contents of the report  which highlighted the work programme in terms of tourism for the 20016/17 financial year and stated that this item had been deferred from the February meeting to allow for further information to be obtained with regard to activities taking place in the rural areas.  The action plan sought to consider a full audit of tourist attractions and activities across the district which would include the rural areas.

Consideration was given to:

·         Activities already taking place in the rural areas and the need to gather further intelligence

·         The need for a joined up plan for both rural areas and town centres

·         The Corporate Plan and the clear steer given by Members with regard to town centres and tourism

·         The use of social media to disseminate information

·         Working with the community and Town and Parish Councils to help coordinate rural events.

RESOLVED that the Tourism Action Plan be approved

Proposed by Cllr R J Chesterton and seconded by Cllr  N V Davey)

Note: - *Report previously circulated, copy attached to minutes.

To receive a report of the Head of Communities and Governance providing Members with details of the Tourism Action Plan (Appendix A) for 2016/17.

The Group had before it * a report from the Head of Communities and Governance providing Members with details of the Tourism Action Plan (Appendix A) for 2016/17.

The Head of Communities and Governance explained that the Councils new Corporate Plan for 2016-2020 included growing the tourism sector under the Economy priority and that public consultation, which was currently ongoing, indicated that the public believed that tourism should be a key area of focus for the Council.

The officer explained that work was currently being undertaken to map attractions and accommodation providers within the District.  The team were working closely with the Heart of Devon Tourism Group to share resources, knowledge and expertise.

Consultation was being undertaken to establish what visitors would like find on offer when they visited the area.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         Regular updates would be provided to the Group;

·         The Town Centre and Tourism Officer would be working across the District;

·         A brand was being developed;

·         Events such as food festivals were already being developed;

·         Signage audits for locations such as the Tourist Information Centre were taking place in the three main towns.

It was RECOMMENDED to Cabinet that the Tourism Action Plan for 2016/17 be approved.

(Proposed by the Chairman)