The Cabinet Member for Economy and Property introduced the report and explained that Cabinet Members noted the Visitor Economy Framework Action Plan at Cabinet in July 2020 which then went out to public consultation.  She referred to the public consultation feedback within the report and gave thanks to officers and various organisations for their input.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance also gave his thanks and said that there was great potential to development the visitor economy in Swale.

A Member suggested that more detail on aviation and birdwatching be included in the document.  He asked how the priorities would be achieved with limited staff and funding resources and suggested a more achievable priority list and more detail of the partnerships with other organisations.  In response, the Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance said there would be resources to ensure the priorities were delivered.  The Cabinet Member for Economy and Property referred to Appendix II which outlined the prioritisation of the actions and said that many organisations were involved and Swale Borough Council (SBC) were acting as the enabler in the partnership working.  She drew attention that delivery partners and timescales were outlined in the document and said that work on some of the short-term priorities had already commenced. 

Resolved:

(1)  That the Visitor Economy Framework Action Plan consultation feedback be noted.

(2)  That the Visitor Economy Framework Action plan be endorsed.