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Tourism Summit Inspires Local Businesses

The recent tourism summit held by Winchester City Council has prompted a string of ideas for district's new tourism strategy, now under development.

Over 70 local businesses, City Councillors and stakeholders signed up for the free meeting in the Guildhall which took the 2012 Olympics as a starting point for discussions about issues ranging from transport and green tourism to marketing and skills. The key speaker was Ken Robinson OBE whose challenging presentation about the real opportunities afforded by the 2012 Games in London inspired all the delegates who went on to enjoy a series of lively workshop sessions.

Strategic marketing was a popular subject, and delegates gave thought to the power of putting a human face to the district, from symbolic figures such as the Dean of Winchester Cathedral to the celebrity appeal of Colin Firth. They also suggested new itineraries and campaigns to set Winchester apart from competitor destinations across Europe at a time when cheap flights continue to lure UK residents overseas for their short breaks.

A skills workshop discussed the cost of training to employers and the lack of opportunities for day release studying in the hospitality industry, as well as the need to identify a rewarding career path for those working in tourism businesses.

Delegates supported the development of the district's green tourism offer, and enjoyed a proposal by Sian Thomas of Hat Fair to close the city to traffic completely for a few festive days to enable 'human repair' and reinforce the environmental message.

Finally, a workshop looking specifically at the potential of 2012 recognised the importance of local residents as ambassadors and promoters of the visitor economy. Delegates felt that a positive image of Winchester would stem from local pride, and proposed ways to engage and involved the resident community more in celebrating the district's many charms and attractions.

Cllr George Beckett, Leader of the City Council, said:

"The next four years offer an unprecedented opportunity for Britain to make up lost ground in overseas markets, but 2012 is also the perfect catalyst for improving and developing our tourism offer across the board. In the Winchester District we need to plan with originality and deliver with quality, and this will be the philosophy of the new strategy which is due out next spring. My thanks go to all those who attended the summit at this busy time of year."

Notes from the tourism summit will be available shortly on the 'local industry' pages of www.visitwinchester.co.uk or by request from the tourism marketing team on 01962 848 311 or email tourism@winchester.gov.uk The City Council's draft Framework for 2012, which considers the wider implications of the Olympics, can be found at www.winchester.gov.uk/liveyourdream and comments are welcomed from residents and businesses.

Notes to editor:
a) further details about the Summit are available from tourism marketing and development manager Ellen Simpson on 01962 848 219 or esimpson@winchester.gov.uk

b) the photo shows Ken Robinson OBE (left) shaking hands with Cllr George Beckett, Leader of Winchester City Council, at the start of the Summit.