Minutes:
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 would be made with various members both formally and informally. Forum Members were assured that the Service would seek their permission before submitting them as contacts to the Audit Commission.