Issue - meetings

Mrs Laura Dickson, the Visitor Economy and Events Development Manager, presented a report on the Tourism Destination Management Plan 2015-2018.

Mrs Dickson highlighted that:-

·  The Committee agreed in November 2018 that the Destination Management Plan should be reviewed and a new one year rolling action plan developed which was attached as Appendix A to the report.

·  The original plan was analysed through a series of industry consultations, surveys and workshops looking at developments and changes since 2015, including the recent Economic Impact of Tourism in Maidstone report.

·  Workshops were held by Blue Sail, the Destination Management Consultants, on 6^th February 2019 which was attended by key businesses from all parts of the tourism sector.  Members also attended a consultation workshop on the same day.

The Committee made the following comments:-

·  That the type of events held at the Amphitheatre should be in consideration of the residents of the alms houses that are behind the facility.

·  That the town should focus on being walker and cyclist friendly and provide the necessary facilities.

RESOLVED:  That the new one year rolling action plan for the Tourism Destination Management Plan be adopted.

Voting:  Unanimous