Agenda item

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The Assistant Director provided an overview of the work of the Tourism Informal Working Group and the workshops that they had held, which covered key themes.  The Group had developed an action plan which was now being presented to the Panel for consideration.

The Senior Tourism Officer presented the report which provided detail of work carried out by the Tourism Informal Working Group, along with a list of actions for the Panels consideration.  He explained that work had started in 2022 with business surveys and development of a Tourism Action Plan, which was then built on by the Tourism Informal Working Group which had identified specific actions against each aim. 

The Senior Tourism Officer provided information on the key issues and actions identified by the Group and it was noted that work was ongoing against some of the actions and the plan was regularly updated.

The Senior Tourism Officer offered to provide annual updates to the Panel on the Tourism Action Plan so that the Panel could continue to monitor progress.

The Chair thanked the Senior Tourism Officer for the report, welcomed the opportunity for the Panel to receive annual updates, and invited questions and comments from the Panel, as summarised below.

Councillor Bubb commented that there was a need for more indoor activities and attractions so that people could still visit the area in poor weather and out of season.  He stated that work was required to encourage bigger indoor attractions to the area.

Councillor Collingham commented that more children’s attractions were needed in King’s Lynn, such as soft play.  She commended the detailed piece of work which had been produced by the Informal Working Group and stated that the Guildhall would provide many tourism opportunities and promote the area. 

The Regeneration Programmes Manager explained that private sector engagement was key to achieving the aims within the action plan.

Councillor Colwell addressed the Panel under Standing Order 34 and asked if coach and campervan parking was included in the Action Plan and it was confirmed that this would be included in the Car Parking Strategy which was due to be presented to the Panel in the New Year.

The Portfolio Holder for Business and Culture, Councillor Ring thanked the Senior Tourism Officer for the work he had put into creating the action plan.  He noted that many actions were only ones that the Council could encourage, influence and support as they were outside the remit and capability of the organisation.  He noted that the action plan was an agile document and would work in conjunction with other organisational Strategies and Policies.  Councillor Ring commented that Tourism was an important asset for the area and needed to be promoted to attract businesses and investors to the area.

RESOLVED:

1. The Tourism Informal Working Group Action Plan was agreed by the Regeneration and Development Panel as a working plan of practical actions and work towards solutions of issues identified in recent times by the local tourism industry.

2. The Tourism Informal Working Group be disbanded as it has now concluded its work.

3. The Panel to receive annual updates on progress.