Agenda item

To consider a report of the Service Manager for Growth and Economic Regeneration.

At the request of the committee, councillors received and considered a report of the Service Manager, Growth and Economic Development, which provided an overview of how Dorset Council was driving and supporting its visitor economy through the work undertaken by the tourism team, Visit Dorset. The report provided information on the infrastructure in place to support the work and outlined the importance of tourism to Dorset’s economy.

The supporting presentation provided at the meeting provided an overview of the key points covered in the report.

Councillors considered the issues raised within the report and during discussion, points were covered in the following areas:

·       Detail of the membership model and promotion undertaken

·       Work to promote attractions and towns in inland areas including work with Portland Port connected to visiting cruise ships

·       The need to consider opportunities for income generation including through use of the council’s assets

·       Detail of support provided to particular town councils and business improvement districts (BIDs) to promote their own towns was reported and positive feedback that had been received

·       The role of the Dorset Tourism Association (DTA) was noted and how it provided a link between the councils and businesses involved in delivering tourism services

·       The issues and benefits related to Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP) were discussed

·       An assurance was sought that Dorset would receive a fair share of any funding secured by being part of a potential LVEP. This was acknowledged by the Portfolio Holder

·       Labour and skills challenges within the visitor economy were recognised and work was being undertaken with local colleges and universities to ensure that relevant courses were available to link in with areas of skills shortages. A Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan had been developed and the subject of skills was a regular matter for discussion at the South West Tourism Partnership

·       A suggestion was made that focus groups could be held to try and understand the reasons for people not visiting Dorset.  In addition, it was noted that funding had been received to look at barriers to people visiting Dorset

·       Various highways matters were raised including issues around car parking, the impact of changes to the Department for Transport criteria for traffic sensitive routes and issues around highways maintenance and utility works during peak holiday periods

·       Points regarding the council’s former provision of tourist information centres were raised and the current position with how information was being provided by town councils / business improvement districts (BIDs) noted, with differing views expressed as to the provision of the service.

At the conclusion of the discussion, the Chairman outlined his thoughts for how a review in this area could be progressed. He suggested that himself, the Vice-chairman and four members of the committee meet with officers to scope a potential review to consider opportunities for income generation and to draw in the views and experience of the wider Council membership. This would be a longer-term review for the next Council term.

A discussion was held as to the potential areas to be included within a review and the possible challenges.

The Monitoring Officer noted that there was a need to consider the council’s commerciality across wider themes and that this should include considering the most appropriate way for services to be provided.

The Executive Director of Place recognised the valuable piece of work. Officers and the Portfolio Holder could provide input on the scope for the review and there could be consideration of best practice elsewhere and the extent to which tourism support should be funded through local taxes.

The Executive Director of Corporate Development noted the council’s current financial position and supported a broader review of income generation across the council linked to the Our Future Council transformation programme.

Following the discussion, it was agreed by the committee that a task and finish group of six committee members (to include the Chairman and Vice-chairman) be formed to explore opportunities for income generation in tourism through a future review.