Issue - meetings

Report of Director of Tourism and Enterprise

Lead Cabinet member: Councillor Liz Boorman

(Non-key decision):

(1) To approve continued implementation of the Strategic Tourism Vision and Action Plan (2018-2021)

(2) To approve activities carried out to date.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Tourism and Enterprise updating them on the progress of the Strategic Tourism Vision and Action Plan (2018 to 2021) and activities that had taken place in 2018-19.

The report was in response to a request from the Chair of Audit and Standards Committee in December 2018.

In response to a question regarding how the tourism data was collected, the Director of Tourism and Enterprise reported that a new data collection method called “T-Stats” had been commissioned. This method would provide greater accuracy and timely visitor statistics when interpreting local and national tourism data.

A further update was given on the sustainability initiatives contained within the tourism strategy such as the promotion of local public transport provision and encouragement of visitors to not use their cars to explore the area but to walk, cycle and use buses and trains as part of a more enjoyable experience. As Lewes was now part of the Biosphere Project, this would explore ways to develop tourism in sensitive natural areas that might otherwise be under threat through attracting more visitors. Work is also underway with national and international partners to improve visitor management policies that could mitigate the damage that could occur through tourism.

Visiting member Councillor Gauntlett, clarified in response to a comment by visiting member Councillor Saunders that in his capacity as Chair of the Council, a written reference was submitted in support of Egrets Way grant application to the South Downs National Park Authority.

It was clarified that whilst the Visit Lewes website was currently only available in English, a translation system was available at the Tourist Information Centre. Further accessibility improvements would be made to the site over time.

Resolved (Non-key decision):

(1) To approve continued implementation of the Strategic Tourism Vision and Action Plan (2018-2021).

(2) To approve the activities carried out to date.

Reason for decisions:

To build on the success of the former three year Strategic Tourism Vision and Action Plan (2015-2018), the 2018-2021 Plan has been implemented for its first year, including a range of new activities supported by additional funding of £100K pa.