Issue - meetings

Arising from a report of the Chief Executive and Director of Growth, the Economy Policy Development Group had recommended that the Destination Management Strategy be recommended to Council for approval.

Arising from a report of the Chief Executive and Director of Growth, the Economy Policy Development Group had recommended that the Destination Management Strategy be recommended to Council for approval.

The Economic Development Team Leader outlined the contents of the report stating that the Destination Management Plan for Mid Devon was a strategic document for promoting tourism within the district and provided a framework for joint activity with key stakeholders and individual tourism businesses.  The document had been subject to consultation and feedback from that consultation process had been incorporated into the document and that it also reflected the modifications to the Local Plan Review such as the proposed allocation at Junction 27 for a major tourism and leisure development.  The Strategy would in time be accompanied by an action plan following work on the Economic Strategy which was being progressed by the Economy Policy Development Group

Consideration was given to:

·         The lack of emphasis within the strategy on country sports and the amount of business this brought to the area

·         The effectiveness of the strategy and how it would be measured

·         The need for the action plan and metrics by which the effectiveness of the strategy would be judged to be placed before a future meeting of the Cabinet

·         The timescale for the production of the action plan

·         The need to include mention of the Roman Catholic Boniface Church, Crediton

·         The need for more tourist accommodation in Crediton

Subject to the inclusion of additional material with regard to country sports and mention of the shrine at the Roman Catholic Boniface Church it was:

(Proposed by the Chairman)

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

To receive and note a report from the Director for Growth informing Members of the results from the consultation on the Destination Management Plan.

The Group had before it, and NOTED, a report from the Director for Growth and Chief Executive informing it of the results from the consultation on the Destination Management Plan.

It was explained that the Destination Management Plan was sent out for consultation to tourism businesses and other stakeholders. 13 responses had been received as well as requests for two face-to-face interviews.

Discussion took place regarding:

·         Initially the number of organisations requested to take part in the consultation had been between 300 and 400.

·         There was a partnership approach regarding improving tourism within the district. It needed to be business led with the Mid Devon Attractions Group working hard to make improvements. The Council wanted to facilitate the process where it could.

·         Plans to improve website information were welcomed.

·         The difference between grass cutting undertaken in Cornwall compared to Devon. It was felt Devon County Council needed to take more responsibility in terms of the effect the lack of grass cutting was having on the impressions taken away by tourists.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.