Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Economy and Tourism - report circulated

The Head of Economy and Tourism updated Members on progress with implementation of the Exeter Visitor/Tourism Strategy 2007-2010. The aim of the Strategy has been to encourage more shortbreak, day visitors and groups to the city and area, with the consequent benefit for local businesses and jobs. He responded to a Member enquiry on tourist spend in Exeter, and highlighted the difficulty of making up to date comparisons with other locations.  He suggested, however, a more useful parallel might be made with cities with similar characteristics such as Norwich or Chester.

A Member suggested more use of social media web sites could help develop new markets and he asked whether there were any such plans for Exeter.  The Head of Economy and Tourism advised that greater use of sites such as Twitter and Facebook were not currently possible through the City Council web site, but he would explore other opportunities through partnership based sites. He noted a Member’s comment that the forthcoming 150 years anniversary of the London Waterloo train services coming to Exeter Central Station and a similar anniversary next year of the Exmouth to Exeter branch line were tourism opportunities.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy noted the progress made with implementing the 2007-2010 Exeter Visitor/Tourism Strategy and supported the actions proposed to be undertaken during 2010/11.

(Report circulated)