Agenda item

Present:- Councillor Smith (in the Chair); Councillors Hall and Walker.

together with:-

Mr. Colin Scott, Rotherham Chamber of Trade and Sarah Crossland, Rotherham Churches Tourism

225(28) 

Apologies for Absence

Apologies were received from:-

225(29) 

Minutes of the previous meeting held on 7th February, 2005

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 7^th February, 2005, be approved as a correct record.

225(30) 

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising not covered on the agenda.

225(31) 

Update of Proposals for South Yorkshire Destination Management Organisation

The Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Manager reported on the latest discussion at sub-regional level regarding the establishment of a Destination Management Organisation in South Yorkshire.

It was reported that the outcome of the various meetings was that at this stage it was not felt appropriate to introduce a private limited company.  However, it was agreed that the way forward would be to establish a private public partnership with a Board and that Sheffield City Council would be the authority leading on the mechanics of establishing the partnership.

As a result KPMG had been instructed about the next actions.  A paper would be prepared by Steve Walmsley of Sheffield City Council to seek agreement by all local authorities to the proposals and communicate to KPMG.   This brief would outline the Terms of Reference, Board Membership etc.  Once agreed a Business Plan and Marketing Plan would be produced.

Resolved:-  That the information be noted and further updates be provided as appropriate.

225(32) 

Draft Schedule for Tourism Plan

The Tourism Manager reported that it was proposed to bring a draft plan to the next meeting of the Panel and to present the plan to the Tourism Forum on 5^th April, 2005.

Resolved:-  That the information be noted.

225(33) 

Tourism Update

The Tourism Manager reported on the following:-

(i)             Production of a new Group Travel Folder

It was pointed out that the folder had been designed to hold inserts e.g. eating out, accommodation etc

Reference was made to the print/background contrast on some of the material.

(ii)            Locations for Coach Parking

This continued to be monitored to assess demand.

(iii)           Yorkshire Tourist Board – Marketing Consultation and Overseas Forum – York – 10^th March, 2005

It was proposed to attend this event.

(iv)           Joint Marketing

It was reported that discussions were taking place with the Museum and with Magna regarding joint marketing of facilities, resources and events.

(v)            Caravan Park

It was reported that there was a proposal for a small caravan park at Wales, adjacent to fishing facilities.

(vi)           Olympic Bid

It was reported that several requests had been received for the Service Area to support the Bid.

The Libraries, Museums and Arts Manager added that it was proposed to present a draft policy to Members’ for consideration so that there could be clarity about this issue.

Resolved:-  That the Manager, Libraries, Museums and Arts and the Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Manager prepare a joint report be presented for Members’ consideration on this issue.

225(34) 

Events and Promotions Officer Verbal Update

The Events and Promotions Officer reported on the following:-

(i)             Ice Magic 12^th to 18^th February 2005

(ii)            Bolton Group Travel Show 26^th February, 2005

(iii)           Continental Market – 19^th to 21^st May, 2005

(iv)           Rotherham in Bloom

(v)            Outdoor Show, Birmingham – 18^th to 20^th March, 2005

(vi)           Walking Festival – 2^nd to 17^th July, 2005

Resolved:-  That the items now reported be noted.

225(35) 

European Week

Further to Minute No. 23 (ii) of the meeting of the Tourism Panel held on 7^th February, 2005, the Town Centre, Tourism and Markets Manager, reported on discussion that had been held concerning the feasibility of linkages with Town Twinning, Rotherham Show and Festival with the Continental Market.

The outcome of the discussions focussed on the following:-

-                      a competing event would dilute the impact of the Show

-                      a market operator would want the market in the town centre

-                      it would send out a mixed message about the Show

-                      it would be difficult to engage a market operator in September

-                      should not copy other local authorities, rather try to develop something unique for Rotherham

-                      what audience would the event(s) be aimed at?

The idea of an event on the theme of Fair Trade was suggested. It was pointed out that this would need a basic event plan drawing up to define the aims and objectives and to identify ways to minimise cost.  The event would be proposed for March 2006.

Resolved:-  That the information be noted.

225(36) 

Re-opening of CliftonPark Museum

The Libraries, Museums and Arts Manager circulated a paper summarising the re-opening of Clifton ParkMuseum on 29^th January, 2005.

It was reported that to date 20,000 people had visited the museum, and it was pointed out that the size of the building could not sustain this number.

Reference was made to:-

-                      positive feedback from the public

-                      extensive publicity received

-                      re-use of the kitchen range

-                      success of the café and shop

-                      items that require “snagging work”

-                      income being generated

-                      future plans and Phase 2 of the Redevelopment of the Museum

Resolved:-  That the report be received.

225(37) 

Any Other Business

(i)             Rotherham Visitor and Information Centre

Councillor Walker wished to convey her thanks to staff at the Visitor Centre for their help in providing information for her Travel Club.

(ii)            Festivals and Activities Manager, Education, Culture and Leisure

It was reported that an appointment had now been made, and Kate  Moreman would be taking up this post shortly.

(iii)           Rotherham’s  3^rd Cultural Conference – 6^th May, 2005 – CliftonPark Museum

Arrangements for this event were being made and Members of the Panel would be invited.

(iv)           5 Churches Walk – new leaflet

The Project Manager, Rotherham Churches Tourism Initiative, distributed copies of the new leaflet

(v)            Churches Regional Commission Project – establishment of post of Regional Churches Tourism Officer/Co-ordinator

The Project Manager, Rotherham Churches Tourism Initiative, reported on the creation of the above post, which would take a lead on strategic issues.

(vi)           South Yorkshire Forum for Churches Tourism

The Project Manager, Rotherham Churches Tourism Initiative, reported on the creation of the above forum.

225(38) 

Date, Time and Venue for the next meeting

Resolved:-  That the next meeting of the Tourism Panel be held at the Town Hall, Rotherham on Monday, 25^th April, 2005 at 2.00 p.m.

28.                      

29.                      

(a)               

(b)