MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING, TOURISM AND LEISURE SERVICES SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON TUESDAY, 26 AUGUST 2003 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM
Present :
Mr C R Hancock (Chairman), Mr J R Adams, Mr A C Bartlett, Mr J A Bowker, Mr J F Howe, Mrs B Lawson, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr A J Mundy, Mr K Pearson, Mr R C Richards, Mr J Whittaker, Mr D G Williams
Portfolio Holders :
Mrs T M Butchers, Mr J H Fleming, Mr H Rees
Also Present (non voting) :
Mr R Barry, Mr E Fox, Mrs S A Smart
29. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT, subject to Minutes 24, Paragraph 2 being amended to read “In particular concern was raised regarding the development of the Heart of Pan” the Minutes of the meeting held on the 28 July 2003 be confirmed.
30. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Mr Pope of the PanCan Community Forum asked a question in relation to the Heart of Pan Project (PQ 35/03).
A copy of the question and reply given are contained in the Public Question Register.
31. TOURISM DEVELOPMENT PLAN
(During the course of the debate on this item Mr J R Adams declared a personal interest in the Wightlink Ferry Service)
As Members were aware theme six of the Community Strategy related to the development of tourism. Within this theme Its most significant aspiration was that the Isle of Wight be recognised as a world class tourism destination and that the Island be one of the UK’s leading quality tourist leisure destinations. To drive the delivery of this theme the Acting Head of Tourism Services had produced a discussion document which identified a process of developing a TDP.
The Committee received a Powerpoint presentation which identified the key areas within the discussion document and critical factors to be taken into account, including :
Sustainability of Tourism
The Council’s corporate leadership
Clear and focussed roles of the various sectors
To ensure both the Council and public recognise the importance of the Tourism to the Island.
The Chairman welcomed the Head of Engineering Services to the meeting. The Committee discussed the importance of developing tourism corporately. In particular that policies contained in the Local Transport Plan be taken into account. The Head of Engineering Services advised the Committee that work was currently being undertaken to establish Park and Ride schemes along the Islands rail network. The number of cars visiting the Island was also discussed with regard to the road infrastructure and capacity.
In discussion members considered the development of the tourism website. The VISIT Destination Management System (DMS) was currently being developed. The system would strengthen both marketing and sales and would provide enhanced tourism service to visitors and the Tourist Industry. It was hoped that on-line holiday bookings would be available towards the end of 2003, however it was noted that this was largely dependent on the Industry’s support. The Select Committee were concerned that translation services were no longer available on the Council’s Website, although they were assured that this would be investigated.
The Tourism Baseline Audit provided information on quality in respect of the gradings of accommodation. There was a considerable amount of accommodation with either 2/3 star or no gradings. The Committee were advised that this was a national issue and work was being undertaken at Government level to ease the problem. The Committee raised concern regarding the quality of public conveniences. There were currently 70 facilities across the Island, each costing £5,000 per annum to maintain. Members suggested reducing the number of public toilets and encouraging local shopkeepers/café proprietors to allow members of the public to use their facilities.
Concern was expressed that a number of plans and strategies had been formulated over recent years but had never been corporately and comprehensively followed through. In particular Members referred to the commissioning of the ‘Isle of Wight Future and Tourism document’ published in July 2002. It was commented upon that there had been little reference to this within the discussion document, however the Acting Head of Tourism advised Members that it would be considered more closely as the TDP developed. Mindful of the failure of recent tourism strategies, Members agreed that the development of the TDP be closely monitored by the Select Committee. It was also considered essential to appoint a permanent Head of Tourism Services to ensure that tourism objectives, corporate goals and strategies were achieved.
RESOLVED :
(a) THAT it be recommended to the Executive that the Select Committee support the appointment of a Head of Tourism to deliver the Council’s Tourism objectives within the Council’s corporate goals and strategies (including the Local Transport Plan, sustainability and economic development) within the next three months.
(b) THAT shopkeepers and café proprietors be encouraged to open up their WC facilities to the general public at the Islands holiday resorts.
(c) THAT the Select Committee actively support the development of air travel to the Island, to further its appeal as a fast, efficient and accessible holiday destination.
(d) THAT the Select Committee encourage both the public and private sectors to meet with the proposed TDP Steering Group, to actively market the whole Island as a complete “Brand”.
(e) THAT the Select Committee receive a monthly update on the progress of the Tourism Development Plan.
32. ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL FORWARD PLAN - SEPTEMBER 2003 TO DECEMBER 2003
It was noted that the report entitled “Modernisation of Isle of Wight Tourism” due to be considered by the Executive at its meeting on the 8 October 2003 referred to the development of the Tourism Partnership
RESOLVED :
THAT the Forward Plan for the period covering September 2003 to December 2003 be noted.
CHAIRMAN