Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Growth & Strategic Assets.

(a)           That the Dorset Local Visitor Economy Partnership Destination Management Plan (DLVEPDM) be adopted and

(b)           That additional funding be added to the 2027/2028 budget to meet the aspirations within the plan.

Note: additional funding to meet the aspirations of the Destination Management Plan would be subject to the agreement of Full Council as part of setting the 2027/28 budget.  

(c)           That the local offering be recognised in the wording of the DLVEPDM action plan.

Reason for the decision

The visitor economy affected tourists, businesses, employment opportunities, cultural and heritage assets, transport networks, and infrastructure across Dorset. The Destination Management Plan was developed collaboratively with businesses, stakeholders, and cultural partners to provide a clear strategic framework for the visitor economy. Adoption of the Plan supported the development of a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive visitor economy, delivering benefits to communities, businesses, and visitors across Dorset throughout the year.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Growth and Strategic Assets presented a report on Dorset Local Visitor Economy Partnership Destination Management Plan (DLVEPDM). The Plan set out a 10-year strategy to establish Dorset as a welcoming, vibrant and year-round visitor destination. He further highlighted that the visitor economy was a significant driver of Dorset’s economy, supporting businesses, employment, cultural and heritage assets, transport and infrastructure.

Cllr Bell seconded the recommendation and emphasised the wider benefits of a strong visitor economy, including its positive contribution to health, wellbeing and thriving communities.

In response to a question relating to funding, the Cabinet Member confirmed that no additional funding was required to develop the Destination Management Plan. However, the Cabinet Member for Resources advised that delivering the plan’s longer-term ambitions may require additional investment. Any future funding proposals would be supported by a business case and considered through the Council’s budget-setting process, including approval by Full Council as part of the 2027/28 budget.

Cabinet welcomed the report and emphasised the importance of increasing visitor spend throughout the year, reducing reliance on seasonal tourism, and ensuring Dorset remained an attractive destination for visitors of all budgets. Members also highlighted the need to reflect the distinct identities of communities across the Dorset Council area and welcomed the use of community engagement to help inform the development of the wider visitor economy.

It was proposed by Cllr R Biggs and seconded by Cllr M Bell

Decision

(a)           That the Dorset Local Visitor Economy Partnership Destination Management Plan (DLVEPDM) be adopted and

(b)           That additional funding be added to the 2027/2028 budget to meet the aspirations within the plan.

Note: additional funding to meet the aspirations of the Destination Management Plan would be subject to the agreement of Full Council as part of setting the 2027/28 budget.  

(c)           That the local offering be recognised in the wording of the DLVEPDM action plan.

Reason for the decision

The visitor economy affected tourists, businesses, employment opportunities, cultural and heritage assets, transport networks, and infrastructure across Dorset. The Destination Management Plan was developed collaboratively with businesses, stakeholders, and cultural partners to provide a clear strategic framework for the visitor economy. Adoption of the Plan supported the development of a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive visitor economy, delivering benefits to communities, businesses, and visitors across Dorset throughout the year.