RECOMMENDATION

 To note the Report.

1.1

National Conference for Rural Crime – TA asked to speak at conference at Gurnard Pines on 18^th October regarding impact of crime on tourism industry

1.2

Sandown Bay Regeneration - Taskforce meeting on 19^th October resulted in identifying possible matched funding opportunities, to enable consultancy and research processes to proceed to assist the regeneration process. This will go to next meeting of Lead Group, chaired by Peter Moore, for implementation. Public meetings of small and micro businesses in the area are to be held in January/February/March and April.

1.3

AngleseyTourist Association – Tim Addison and Sandy Stritton attended Anglesey Tourist Association members’ meeting on 6^th November. It was an interesting comparison between the two Islands and advice was given on Anglesey setting up a tourism/industry partnership similar to that on the Island.

1.4

Full Members Meeting - held 7^th November at Westridge and attended by 200 IWT members and invitees. First part of day consisted of Sustainable Tourism Conference when the Green Island Awards Scheme was launched by Island 2000, followed by presentation on IWT 2002 Marketing Campaign and TV advertisement, and Q&A session for IWT members.

1.5

Community Strategy – IWT Call Centre assisting IW Council with telephone consultation work, utilising a dedicated telephone line.

1.6

World Travel Market – IWT attended exhibition at Earls Court from 12-15 November. Councillor Jarman and media from the Island visited on Press Day. Visit by Kim Howells, Minister for Tourism, arranged for Tuesday 13^th November.

1.7

IT Procurement – meetings of Project Board held 11^th and 25^th October and 8^th November, attended by Cllr Reg Barry, Ron Teasdale, David Price (IT Dept) and IWT. Meetings continuing fortnightly until situation can be resolved.

2

MARKETING & SALES

2.1

Publications Update

2002 Accommodation Guide

Island Breaks and Accommodation Section have been delivered on schedule and presented to the Full Members Meeting. Publication was subsequently launched by the Minister for tourism at World Travel Market.

Attractions Guide – Due for delivery end November.

Guide Direct Mailer – Awaiting delivery before direct mail commences to 160,000 potential visitors.

Summer Pocket Guide/Camping & Touring Guide – both due on sale shortly

Winter Pocket Guides – Delivered for distribution on board cross Solent services on schedule.

Coach Drivers Map – re-printed and delivered to reflect changes to coach routing around St Lawrence landslip.

Access Guide – Updated guide advising on disability issues now delivered. Distribution on request

2.2

Teachers Guide – All Workpacks are now available digitally via IWT’s Web Site

Sales and Membership Department – has now been formally separated from Marketing Department (which includes the operation of the Tourist Information Centres). David Brooks’ job title has been changed to Sales and Membership Manager and he will report directly to Head of Tourism Services.

2.3

Market Research – 4^th quarter results now available with year-end to follow shortly.

2.4

Tourist Information Centres –winter opening hours now in operation. Original staffing has now been amended to reflect requested changes in order to open Ventnor TIC up until Christmas. Further negotiations ongoing, aimed to maximize TIC opening hours through January to February, whilst not compromising vital guide distribution work.

3

PRESS & PUBLIC RELATIONS

3.1

World Travel Market – In attendance on Press Day.

3.2

Tourism News – December issue will include updates on regeneration, 2001 review, with overview for 2002 marketing.

3.3

Whiteair – IW Tourism maintained media office throughout the event which received very good press coverage including national and regional television. IWT noted significant increase in media interest over 2000.

4

CALL CENTRE & DISTRIBUTION

4.1

2001 Guides – 168,821 distributed to date (last year 189,838).

4.2

2002 Guides – mailing has commenced to outstanding enquiries.

4.3

Hotline – 902 bookings to date (value £158,000)