Agenda item

            (a)       That the presentation be noted; and

(b)       That the main points arising from discussion as summarised above

be progressed.

The Economic Development Manager introduced the report to update Members on the approach taken to promote Flintshire to visitors and to manage the County as a destination.  He provided background information and referred to the key considerations in the report.  He introduced Mr Dewi Davies, Regional Strategy Director, Tourism Partnership North Wales (TPNW), and invited him to give a presentation on the work of the TPNW.  The main points of the presentation were:

·        Tourism Strategy North Wales 2010-2015

·        Challenges for the future

·        Key Priorities

·        Destination North Wales

·        Destination Flintshire                 

·        New Tourism Forum for Flintshire

·        Flintshire Tourism Association

·        Buy in by Local Authority Heads of Service and Businesses

·        Aligned Assets

·        Plans for the future

The Chairman thanked Mr. Davies for an interesting and informative presentation and invited Members to raise questions.

Councillor A. Minshull commented on the need to rejuvenate local town centres and for an inter-link between tourism and town centres.  She also commented on the negative impact created when promoting tourism for Flintshire and the poor impression created for visitors who travelled on the old coast road.  The Head of Regeneration referred to a range of programmes for 8 of Flintshire’s town centres and to new investment in the area as a result of the Deeside Enterprise Zone.    He also commented on  new investment in housing.

The Chairman referred to the need to review designated Town Centres with the aim of creating a more sustainable Town Centre core area and commented on the need for planning, marketing and investment.

Councillor P.J. Curtis emphasised the need for adequate signposting to guide tourists to key attractions and historical sites in Flintshire and cited St Winefride’s Well which is one of the seven wonders of Wales as an example.  The Director of Environment advised that the trunk roads were in the control of the Welsh Government and he had written to them previously to seek  permission to erect signs. 

Councillor C. Legg raised a number of concerns around hospitality, provision of toilets and car parking.  He said there needed to be a supererogation approach to customer care if Flintshire was to extend its tourism.

Mr. Davies acknowledged the comments made and referred to the  induction and training programme to enhance skills and improve the image of the tourism sector as a career choice. 

Councillor. J. Johnson asked if links could be provided from the coastal path to other major pathways, for example Pilgrims Way.  Mr. Davies advised that a circular path project was currently looking at circular walking routes and possible links.

Councillor C.A. Thomas emphasised the need to raise the profile of Flintshire as a tourist destination and to strengthen the publicity material available to promote the range of castles, hillforts, walks, and other key attractions.  She suggested that a DVD or video be produced for Flintshire similar to the one produced by Cheshire which was currently being shown at Broughton Park Shopping Centre.  She also referred to the North East Wales brand and the need for the Authority to identify and link in  ‘the Flintshire offer”  using images of key sites.

Mr. Davies agreed that it was up to each Authority to put a programme in place to highlight their area whilst also seeking to unify the value of North East Wales.

Councillor. N. Phillips highlighted the significance of the Gladstone Library in Hawarden.

The Chair asked what progress had been made regarding car parking facilities at Talacre.  

Councillor C. Legg expressed his thanks to the Head of Regeneration for his hard work and achievements.

The Chair summarised the main points arising out of the discussions as follows:-

·       Town Centres – links with tourism package and specific projects going

         forward – discussion to take place with Chair /Vice Chair/Facilitator

·       A55 Signage – Greenfield Valley, St Winefride’s Well and general

         signposting to areas of interest

·       Linking paths – links from coastal paths to other major paths in particular the Heritage Trail leading through to Wepre Park

·       DVD – to promote what Flintshire had to offer for tourism

·       Gladstone Library – a major attribute of great interest

·       Coastal road – How can we work together to improve image

·       Talacre Car Park - progress

            RESOLVED:

            (a)       That the presentation be noted; and

(b)       That the main points arising from discussion as summarised above

be progressed.