Report of the Chair of the Economic and Community
Regeneration Scrutiny Committee
Minutes:
Members received an update
from the Chair of the previous
Economic and Community Regeneration Scrutiny Committee.
Members
were provided with an update on the recommendations that the Task and Finish
Group produced in relation to the support for Tourism.
It
was noted that the Task and Finish Group received feedback from those consulted
on the process of developing tourism as it was highlighted that it was much
more than just marketing what the Authority already had.
Officers
highlighted that this was a positive step moving forward for tourism. It was
noted that the authority had lost the Tourism Team several years ago, However,
will be shortly advertising for 2 new posts to re-create a Tourism team.
Members
asked for feedback on how many business’s responded to the survey. Officers
highlighted that they attempted to contact as many businesses as possible.
There were 34 responses in total to the initial questionnaire.
Officers
explained that when comparing Neath Port Talbot County Borough with other areas
it has been difficult to promote the area as ‘Neath Port Talbot’ as the name of
the area doesn’t represent a destination as such. For example The Vale of Neath
and Afan Forest Park are easy to recognise
destinations but the name Neath Port Talbot is an amalgamation of two towns and
not a destination visitors would understand.
The
main aspects that the new tourism team will focus on to advertise are visitor marketin’s which can be summarised as the national trust
market, activity market and family visitor markets.
Members
highlighted that the Splashpool in Aberavon was
closed during April when the weather was pleasant, and asked that the Splashpool be open earlier in the year to accommodate for
when the weather is nice. Officers highlighted that the Splashpool
is coming to the end of its natural life. It was noted that the weather is
unreliable and if the splashpool were to open earlier
in the year it may not be utilised if it was raining. It was noted that there
is a proposal in making the opening times more flexible, however they would
have to have a discussion with Celtic Leisure.
It
was highlighted that the Steelworks could be promoted for tourism as public
maybe interested in the science behind it.
Officers
highlighted that the majority of people that attend day trips are the residents
of Neath Port Talbot or from neighbouring counties. For future activities it is
not proposed that a significant marketing spend will be allocated to day
visitors such as these and that we will concentrate on those visitors intending
to stay in NPT or visit the area as part of a holiday in a neighbouring
area. This is because the potential
economic impact from staying visitors is approximately ten times the value of a
day visitor.
Members
suggested promoting sites in Neath Port Talbot for Camping as that is a large
part of family holidays.
Members
asked for the Report from Regeneration, Scrutiny Committee be circulated to the
Members of this committee.
Members
noted the update.
Supporting documents: