Agenda item - Tourism Recovery and VisitBrighton

Report of the Executive Director Economy, Environment & Culture (Copy Attached).

RESOLVED:

That the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee noted and acknowledged the work of VisitBrighton in supporting tourism and the wider visitor economy of Brighton & Hove.

30.2       Julia Gallagher introduced the report starting on page 209 of the Agenda.

30.2 Stephanie Prior was informed that the work of VisitBrighton is to promote what is already being held in the City, so it is important that the Council keeps working with cultural organisations such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Pride, the Christmas Market and numerous other organisations.

30.3 Councillor Grimshaw raised that the Royal Pavilion should be utilised more as there is global interest in the royal family.

30.4 Councillor Bagaeen was informed that:

·       2019 is used as a benchmark for performance as this was the last normal trading year before COVID.

·       The figures are all derived from the Economic Impact of Tourism Assessment which is commissioned each year.

·       Julia Gallagher would go back and tidy up the wording of the discrepancy pointed out by Councillor Bagaeen.

30.5 Councillor Robins raised that even though a large percentage of tourists have stopped coming to the city for numerous reasons, it is important to keep faith that tourism will grow again especially with attractions such as the royal pavilion.

30.6 Councillor Ebel raised that the repeated raw sewage discharge will further reduce tourism to the city which would have a devastating impact on some small businesses that rely on tourism.

30.7 Councillor Osborne raised that local media often talk down Brighton and Hove when in fact there are numerous good aspects of the city, and is known across the UK for holding events.

30.8 Councillor Bagaeen raised that hosting Eurovision at a venue at Black Rock would have been great for tourism but, the Council has yet to build.

RESOLVED:

That the Tourism, Equalities, Communities & Culture Committee noted and acknowledged the work of VisitBrighton in supporting tourism and the wider visitor economy of Brighton & Hove.