Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director

Presented by the Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder

The Business and Regeneration Portfolio Holder presented the report, reaffirming the Council’s desire to grow the North West Leicestershire Visitor Economy sector.

It was noted that the Council needed to evolve services in order to boost appeal, and that it was important to attract new visitors as well as retaining existing ones.

With regard to retaining the Tourist Information Service, it was observed that whilst people are often resistant to change, the proposals set out in the report were expected to be positively received overall.

It was moved by Councillor T Gillard, seconded by Councillor K Merrie and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The need to deliver more impactful support to the district’s visitor economy be reaffirmed by Cabinet.

2)    The four priority activities set out in this report as the core of the council’s visitor economy work plan be adopted.

3) Support for Option One, as set out in Appendix 1, as the preferred model for the future provision of TIC services in Ashby and granted delegated powers to the Strategic Director for Place (in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Business and Regeneration) and agreed terms for the future operation, be confirmed by Cabinet.

Reason for decision: The Council Delivery Plan sets out clear targets for the visitor economy. Current performance statistics gathered in the NWL STEAM report indicate that we are unlikely to achieve the targets set. Remedial action is required.