Issue - meetings

To present the draft Tourism Strategy 2021-2026 to Cabinet and seek its approval to commence a consultation period.

That –

(a)     the content of the draft Tourism Strategy 2021-2026 be approved; and

(b)     the Corporate Director (Place and Economy) be authorised to commence a consultation period of six weeks to seek the views of partners on the proposed Tourism Strategy.

The Cabinet gave consideration to a report of the Leisure & Tourism Portfolio Holder (A.8) which sought its approval for the draft Tendring Tourism Strategy 2021-2026, as set out in the Appendix to the Portfolio Holder’s report, to go out for a period of public consultation.

Cabinet was aware that this five year plan would replace the previous tourism strategy for Tendring, which had expired in 2016 and also that Tourism was estimated to be worth more than £402 million to Tendring, and was responsible for over 8,980 jobs, equivalent to 17.9% of the District’s employment. To put matters into perspective, tourism had increased in value to the local economy by £115 million since the previous strategy had been written in 2010.

It was reported that the coronavirus pandemic had impacted significantly on the local tourism industry and that this new strategy was tailored to extend ‘back to business’ support towards the recovery of the tourism sector.

Members were informed that the draft Strategy set out a 10 point plan for delivery of the following objectives:

1.         Wealth creation

2.         Job creation

3.         Quality of life for local people

4.         Long term growth of the tourism sector

Cabinet was informed that the new strategy recognised that Tendring had a wide attraction, with its towns and villages all having their own unique features, tourism offer and charm.  It was important that the Council worked with partners to develop those unique selling points and promote all of the District’s component parts.  From beautiful coastlines and visitor attractions, to picturesque countryside and heritage of international significance; the power of Tendring’s tourism offer lay in the diversity of its destinations which should be embraced and marketed accordingly.

It was reported that there had been significant private sector investment in the local tourism industry in recent years, including multi million pound investment into some of Tendring’s key attractions.  This had improved the quality of the District as a visitor destination and demonstrated local confidence and a commitment to raising standards.

Members were aware that the Council had invested in major projects such as the £36m Coastal Defence scheme for Clacton-on-Sea and Holland-on-Sea, creating tangible tourism assets in Harwich for Mayflower 400 and public realm schemes to improve the appearance of the District. Furthermore, the Council had invested resources into both organising and facilitating an expanding quality events programme in recent years.  Building on the success of the nationally recognised Clacton Airshow and Harwich Illuminate, event organisers had felt empowered to bring events of national significance such as The Tour of Britain and the first ‘on road’ Motor Rally in England and Wales, to the Tendring District.

It was considered that the strategy recognised that tourism was a fast moving, agile economy and the Council was one partner in ensuring long term success.  As such, this new strategy had greater emphasis on the Council’s role of facilitation than its predecessor.

Cabinet was advised that, to date, this new strategy had only been subject to a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57