Mrs
Laura Dickson, Visitor Economy and Events Development Manager
presented an update on the progress made against the three year
Action Plan which related to Maidstone Borough’s Tourism
Destination Management Plan.
The
Committee noted that the 3 year action plan had been largely
delivered but was still considered to be valid. Officers were in discussions with Visit Kent to
carry out a review of the current Destination Management Plan which
also required updated figures. The
figures were due for release within the next month and would be
reported to the Committee in January.
In
response to questions from Members, Officers explained
that:
·
A report would be considered by the Committee in
January in regard to the proposed Art Installation at Maidstone
East.
·
The public realm works would stop at the end of
November and recommence in January to allow for the Christmas
period.
·
That a light touch review of the action plan would
be carried out in the new year which would be done in consultation
with Members and tourism businesses through a series of
workshops.
The
Vice-Chairman advised that she had attended a Parks and Open Spaces
Seminar where an inspirational speaker spoke on a Natural Capital
Future for Parks. The Chairman
requested that the Vice-Chairman provide a brief report on that for
the next meeting.
RESOLVED: That
1)
The update of the 3 year action plan be
noted.
2)
The Tourism Destination Management Plan be reviewed
and updated and a new one year rolling action plan be
developed.
Voting:
Unanimous