Decision Details

Implemented

The Suffolk Coast Business Plan 2024-27

ES/1845

No

Committee

Cabinet

Tue 6 Feb 2024

No

Report of the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Communities, Leisure and Tourism.

To approve funding of £182k to support the delivery of The Suffolk Coast’s new 3 year business plan covering the period April 2024 to March 2027.

Economic Development & Regeneration

Not Applicable

TBC

TBC

Yes

That the funding of £182,000 to support the delivery of The Suffolk Coast’s new 3 year business plan covering the period April 2024 to March 2027 be approved.

The DMO is the Council’s main route to market for promoting East Suffolk as a visitor destination. Tourism is a key sector for East Suffolk as demonstrated by its overall economic value, business base and employment. Without the DMO, the Council would have no ability to engage in destination marketing for the district, would not have a business led organisation / membership base with which to engage and would be severely limited in its programmes to mitigate the impact of the Sizewell C and other major energy developments taking place in the district. For these reasons the relatively modest investment over three years will enable ESC to deliver on all its priorities relating to the visitor economy as set out within the new strategic plan. 

1. To provide a reduced amount of funding than is being proposed, leading to a reduction in the ability to support the Council’s objectives around tourism development and promotion.

 

2. To provide no funding, which would lead to the closure of the DMO, no destination marketing function for the East Suffolk visitor economy and a hugely reduced engagement with the tourism sector. 

None.

None.