Agenda item

Present:- Councillor Smith (in the Chair); Councillors Austen, Boyes, Hall, Littleboy, Robinson and St. John; and Matthew Beck, Chief Executive of MAGNA;

147(33) 

Apologies for Absence

147(34) 

Presentation - South Yorkshire Destination Management Partnership

Consideration of this item was deferred until the next meeting.

147(35) 

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 18th September, 2006

Consideration was given to the minutes of the previous meeting held on 18^th September, 2006.

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the previous meeting of the Tourism Panel held on 18^th September, 2006, be approved as a correct record.

147(36) 

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising from the minutes.

147(37) 

Big Screen Update

Consideration was given to a report, presented by Bernadette Rushton (Assistant Town Centre Manager), detailing the review of the events programme from 1^st June to 9^th September, 2006.

Reference was made to:-

• World Cup Football
• Wimbledon tennis tournament
• Cultural Events:-  live relays from the Royal Opera House (ballet and opera);  Last Night of the Proms
• the Big Dance on 22nd July 2006

It was reported that an autumn/spring events programme was currently being prepared and would be reported to a future meeting.

Resolved:-  That the report be received.

147(38) 

Tourism Plan 2005 - 2008 Review

Consideration was given to a report, presented by Karen Oliver (Assistant Tourism Officer), detailing the review of the Rotherham Tourism Plan, together with progress to date.

The following were highlighted:-

• Guest Accommodation, Throapham House at Throapham
• Travel Accommodation, Welcome Inn at Kimberworth
• Self Catering Accommodation, Whiston Annex at Moorgate
• Conference / Meeting Venue, Swindon House at Moorgate
• Conference / Meeting Venue, Action Meeting and Training Centre
• Conference / Meeting Venue, RSPB Old Moor Farm House Meeting Rooms
• Conference / Meeting Venue, Moorgate Crofts
• Conference / Meeting Venue, Pentecostal Church
• Conference / Meeting Venue, Rotherham United Suite
• Hotel investments by Carlton Park Hotel and Hellaby Hall Hotel, and  planning permission for two Hotels at M1 Junction 33
• 2 hotels at the site of the YES Project at Rother Valley - awaiting the section 106 agreement.
• WathExpress Park development including a golf course, pub / restaurant and a hotel
•  Developments at Magna including the opening of the Aqua Tek outdoor play area and conference facilities (January 2007) together with improved catering provision and break out rooms

A table within the report set out Performance Indicators and targets within the Plan, together with progress to date.

Reference was also made to:-

- the successful launch of the new Rother FM radio station

- the fireworks display at Magna on Saturday 4th November 2006

- camping and caravan areas (at ThryberghCountry Park and at Horseshoe FishingLake, Manor Road, Wales)

- there was no funding for a ‘where to eat’ restaurant guide for Rotherham; there was now a trend towards the use of technology (eg: mobile telephones) for dissemination of this type of information (it was noted that BBC Radio Sheffield had recently ceased Internet publication of the ‘Greedy Cow’ food and drink guide for South Yorkshire)

Resolved:-  That the report be received and progress noted.

147(39) 

Visitor Centre Retail Strategy Policy

Consideration was given to a report, presented by Karen Oliver (Assistant Tourism Officer), relating to the development of a Visitor Centre Retail Policy as identified for action in the Rotherham Visitor Centre Business Plan.

It was pointed out that the policy aimed to provide a range of items for sale that enhanced the tourism product of Rotherham and make a contribution to the running costs of the Centre.

The policy also helped to tailor the stock and display goods effectively for customers, taking into account seasonal fluctuations.

Reference was made to income generation for the Centre.

Resolved:-  That the report be received and the Retail Policy noted.

147(40) 

Rotherham by the Sea

Karen Oliver (Assistant Tourism Officer) reported on “Rotherham by the Sea” event which had taken place from 7th to 19th August, 2006. There had been a number of new events this year, including sculptures in the sand, a ‘bucking bronco’ and surf machine for people to ride on and singing by a Cliff Richard impersonator.

A report of the year’s events in Rotherham would be submitted to the next meeting of the Tourism Panel.

147(41) 

Date, Time and Venue for the next meeting

Resolved:-  That the next meeting of the Tourism Panel be held on MONDAY, 4^TH DECEMBER, 2006 at 2.00 p.m. at the Town Hall, Moorgate Street, Rotherham.

33.                      

34.                      

(a)               

(b)