Agenda and minutes

JulieRoberts, Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Manager.

Julie Roberts, Town Centre and Markets Manager, welcomed everyone to the meeting and explained that the purposed of the meeting was to update the Forum on what was happening in Rotherham and in South Yorkshire to promote and develop Rotherham as a tourist destination.

Julie introduced two new members of staff from the Visitor Centre:-

Sarah Watson, Visitor Centre Assistant

Sandra Ibbotson, Visitor Centre Assistant

Also there was currently an advert out for an Assistant Town Centre Manager.

Reference was made to the installation of a LED Big Screen in All Saints Square as part of the Renaissance initiative.  The purpose of this was to provide entertainment and a means of issuing community information, as well as being an opportunity for groups and charities to communicate, and to cover events across the Borough.  The Screen would also enable the showing of open air cinema, music festivals and major sporting events.  The screen was scheduled to go live in December.

Members of the Forum were advised that ADI may contact them about using the screen for promotional information and advertising.

Joanne Edley, Tourism Manager

Joanne Edley reported on the following:-

(i)       Tourism Plan

Forum Members should have received a copy of the Summary prior to the meeting.  Copies of the full plan were available if required.

It was explained that the Plan had been based on six objectives derived from analysis of Rotherham’s Tourism business environment, with alignment to the regional and national guidelines for tourism:-

1.       To improve the quality standards of Rotherham’s tourism offer

2.       To improve the image and perception of Rotherham

3.       To improve the effectiveness of partnership working

4.       To promote the Borough as a visitor location

5.       To attract investment to the local area, increasing job creation and    ensuring sustainable development

6.       To increase the skills base in tourism associated areas  (training was being offered by COVE, and also Clifton Park Museum had submitted an offer for HLF to train volunteers)

(ii)      Appointment of an Access Officer, RMBC

It was reported that Eric Stowe had been appointed and would be putting on a two hour training course for businesses between now and January, 2006.  Forum Members were prompted to return the slips that had been sent to them in their information packs if they were interested.

It was proposed to place an advert in 2006 in an Access Guide to promote access in Rotherham to people outside wanting to stay for holidays.

(iii)      Accommodation Inspection Scheme

It was reported that this was changing in January 2006 and would mean that any Guesthouse using the word “hotel” in the name would not be able to use it.  Judy Watson would speak to the accommodation providers about the scheme to try to get non-inspected accommodation inspected and join the scheme.

Also the RAC would not do inspection for new establishments from now on.  Current inspection would be valid until  September, 2006.  Currently only the AA and Quality in Tourism (QIT) carried out inspection on behalf of Visit Britain and the YTB.

(iv)      Results from the Economic Impact Study

This had been commissioned from the Scarborough Model (STEAM) 04.  The information for 2004 had been sent to consultants to analyse the economic benefits for Rotherham.  A summary would be sent out once the information had been received (or it would be submitted to the next Forum meeting).  If any establishment needed this information before April then it could be provided by the Tourism Office.

(v)      Marketing Questionnaire

This would be sent out to Forum members.  The questionnaire asked about what the Tourism Office should be doing to help members promote themselves and to promote the area at peak and off-peak times.  The closing date for return of the questionnaires was 16^th November.  The information would be analysed and put into a marketing plan for the Department.

(vi)      Package for Groups

Information had been sent out to some accommodation providers about a mini-bus tour operator wanting to do specialist tours. 

Also a local photographer was interested in working with Groups.

The Country parks were also looking for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

Michelle Mellor, Assistant Tourism Officer

Michelle Mellor, Assistant Tourism Officer, reported on the following:-

Exhibitions and Events:-  Rotherham Markets Festival;  Walking Festival; attendance at RHS Tatton Park;  Thorpe Salvin Garden Trail;  South Yorkshire Wood Fair;  Rotherham by the Sea;  Maltby Festival;  Rotherham Show;  South Yorkshire Food and Drink Festival.

Rotherham Show:  this was the largest free two day.  60,000 attended.  Sian Pooley, who was studying for a HND in Travel and Tourism Management, explained how she had organised the Treasure Hunt and had sought prizes from eg. Carlton Park, Courtyard by Marriott, Elton Hotel, Brecks, Magna etc.

Forthcoming Events:-  included

-                  Christmas Carnival/Switch on Night

-                  Winter Wonderland

-                  Craft market at Rother Valley Country Park

-                  Attendance at Dublin’s Holiday World Exhibition aimed at the youth/group travel market, and also heritage and special interest breaks

-                  Ice Magic

-                  Attendance at the Great Days Out Fair aimed at Travel Groups

-                  Attendance at the Outdoor Show to promote the Walking Festival 2006 and Rother Valley Country Park

-                  Confex – business tourism:  Anne Grayson, RIDO, reported that there would be two brochures ready next month for local and national buyers

It was also explained that the discussions were still on going between the four South Yorkshire local authorities regarding the Destination Management Partnership to agree the interim management arrangements.  The draft agreement was currently with the Chief Executives of the four Local Authorities.

Joanne Edley, Tourism Manager, reported on the progress of the Visitor Centre following its relocation from the library two years ago.

The following statistics were reported:-

Book A Bed Ahead scheme:-

April 04 to September 04 = 6       

April 05 to September 05 = 35

Footfall Performance Indicator:– generally in the UK this was 3% down.

Rotherham’s aim was for 68,000 p.a.

April 04 to September 04 = 33,442

April 05 to September 05 = 39,676 and was therefore on target for the year.

Sales of Products:-

This was up by £2,000

New Products:-

Included Yorkshire Crisps;  Wentworth Water; Rotherham Rock;  Renaissance CD (from the Get Sorted Group).

Future Products:-

Ray Hearne CD;  local honey

Rotherham Official Merchandise:-  T shirts;  pens; badges, baubles – these were available to Forum Members at cost.  A brochure was available of all items.

Caroline Wilson to report

Caroline Wilson, South Yorkshire Tourism Manager, gave an update on the development of the South Yorkshire Destination Management Partnership.

She explained that since June the South Yorkshire local authorities had been working with the private sector to set up this organisation.  The purpose was to bring strategic direction and co-ordination of tourism issues in South Yorkshire.

Currently a Shadow Board had been set up comprised of 8 private sector representatives, Business Link and the four local authorities.  Forum Members included Matthew Beck, from Magna, and John Silker, from Hellaby Hall.

It was hoped that the Partnership Agreement would be agreed by mid November and then it would go through each Council’s decision making process.  It was hoped to be “fit for purpose” by 1^st April, 2006 with a business and marketing plan.

There were to be discussions on 1^st November with Yorkshire Forward and Objective 1 to access funding - £3m over 3½ years to develop tourism in South Yorkshire, to fund promotion and research and to set up an on-line booking system.

Work was continuing with the YTB about membership issues and the spilt of roles.

There was currently an advertisement out for a Chair of the new Partnership Board.    The interviews were scheduled for 8^th and 9^th November.

A new Website was currently being developed to communicate the changes in the tourism sector in South Yorkshire and this should be up and running by the end of November.

It was anticipated that the Partnership would be launched in Spring 2006.

COVE – Centre of Vocational Excellence – was to hold a Breakfast event on 9^th November at 9 a.m. at Ardsley House – Forum Members were invited to attend.  The purpose was to identify what training and up-skilling was required.

David Wilde and Paul Maplethorpe

David Wilde, LA 21 Officer/Groundwork Dearne Valley, and Paul Mapplethorpe, Energy Saving Officer, RMBC spoke about how Forum Members could manage their businesses in a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

David explained how his role linked into the 1992 World Earth Summit and how local groups could get involved in sustainable development.

He gave a definition of Sustainable Tourism.  He thought that the Local Authority and groups, such as this Forum, were ideal for taking forward a strategy and action programme.  Indeed sustainability was inherent in the new Tourism Plan.

The agenda was now one of action.  At the local level this could be through e.g. catering;  through the promotion of local products in the Visitor Centre;  through Magna,  through Groundworks; promotion of Fair Trade;  not using disposable items;  minimising the environmental impact of transport;  reduction of waste and greater recycling.

Forum Members were encouraged to look at where they got their food from as this was a measure of environmental impact, and to visualise the amount of productive land required – this was called a footprint.  It was reported that for the UK the average would measure 6 hectares (in the US = 10h).  Globally this was 2h, which meant that the UK needed 3 earths to support it.

He stressed there was a need to use local produce and to look at the way water and energy were used.

Paul, explained there were 52 Energy Advice Centres throughout the UK.  The Centre in South Yorkshire was run by the four local authorities.  Reference was made to natural factors and global warming and to the fact that energy consumption was raising the heat of the globe.  There was a global need to cut carbon emissions; to save energy and to save money.

The Advice Centre could provide free advice, and information was also available from the Carbon Trust.  Businesses could be provided with training in how to save energy and grants were available in some instances.

General energy saving tips included:-

-                  turning off computers when not needed

-                  keeping lights clean

-                  turning lights off, including fluorescent ones

-                  enlist all staff to save energy

-                  appoint an Energy Champion

-                  tell people that you are an energy saving business

Forum Members were informed that there was an EU Directive coming into effect on 1^st January, 2007 which would apply to businesses and houses.  Every building would need to be inspected and required to have a certificate detailing its energy performance.  The certificate could not be over ten years old for a business and five for a house.

Members raised the following:-

-                  was this another stealth tax.  How much would it cost?  Businesses had not had any information.

-                  Would the system work like an MOT?  And would businesses be given a chance to implement measures and then a certificate issued?

-                  Was it compulsory to have an energy audit or was it voluntary for businesses?

Holly Booker, RSPB Old Moor, highlighted the sustainable  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Forum Members raised the following issues:-

(i)       Establishment of the Destination Management Partnership

The Rotherham Hoteliers recognised the efforts being made in South Yorkshire to promote the area as a destination, and were pleased that the four Local Authorities were working together to bring visitors to the area and support Rotherham.

The Hoteliers Association had met to identify common needs and what they would like the YTB to promote to try to make the area more profitable.

It was thought that the DMP would be an opportunity to manage and develop tourism and leisure in South Yorkshire that would be sustainable for the future.  Thanks were expressed to all those would have been involved.

(ii)      Throapham House Bed and Breakfast

The above premises had been converted and would hopefully open in February, 2006.

(iii)      Golf Promotion

It was reported that Hellaby Hall had invited four golf clubs (Lindrick, Sitwell, Doncaster and Rotherham) to the hotel to set up as a tourism and golf destination.  This was being promoted in Ireland, Europe and America.

(iv)      Magna – White Rose Award for Business Tourism

This had put Rotherham on the map for business tourism.  Work was now being done with the YTB for Magna to be considered for the national award next year, which give the venue national significance.

Developments at Magna;-

-         A £2.5m development had been signed for, for European funding.  It was hope that work could start in April 2006.

-         A bid had been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund to improve the experience and the culture and heritage side and to improve the long walkway through the installation of a special torch system to activate videos.  The first phase was linked to Key Stage 2 and should be available in October 2006.

-                  Animated Adventures Exhibition – April 2006 – this was an Aardman travelling exhibition.

(v)      What was the progress of the proposed developments at Wath, Waverley, Rother Valley?

It was explained that the YES project was going through the Planning process.  It was pointed out that this was certain to be Called-in, and there would be a lengthy public inquiry.

(vi)      Rotherham Partnership – Ambassadors Scheme

An explanation was given of the role and work of the Rotherham Partnership.  It was explained that there had been six spokes, including economic development and tourism.  However, the Partnership was currently undergoing reorganisation to align with the 5 joint themes of the Council and the Partnership.

The Ambassador Scheme recruited local people to do marketing work and had centred on famous local people.  However, application forms to join the scheme to “Talk Rotherham Up” were now available from the Partnership.

(vii)     Audit Commission Inspection of Culture and Leisure Services

It was reported that this inspection would take place in March 2006, and was likely to include tourism as part of its scope.  It was likely that the Inspectors would want to talk with the Council’s partners e.g. the Tourism Forum, and that contact  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

It was agreed:-  That the next meeting of the Tourism Forum would take place as follows:-

DATE:           TUESDAY, 25^TH APRIL, 2006

VENUE:        RSPB OLD MOOR,

Near Broomhill, Barnsley.
South Yorkshire
Tel: 01226 751593
E-mail: old.moor@rspb.org.uk

TIME:           4.00 p.m.