Issue - meetings

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