SUPPORTING the tourism industry is a priority for economic development in the Chichester district, according to report to be presented today (Thursday, June 13).
Members of Chichester District Council’s overview and scrutiny committee are set to receive an update on the area’s economic development plan.
In April, the committee set up a task group to review the plan.
“During the review, the group were concerned that supporting the tourism industry had a low profile considering it generates over £450m into the economy with six million visitors a year and supports over 4,500 jobs within the district,” said Kenrick Garraway, assistant director of economy, in his report to the committee.
He said the review group would be keen for further action to be taken to assess the impact on tourism of the ‘council’s withdrawal’.
“The group recognises the need for savings but would also like to look at best practice from other areas to see if there are ways that the council can support the industry more,” he said.
The economic development plan has four main objectives – attract and retain working age talent, create the conditions to support growth-orientated business, matching skills to business and economic needs and making best use of the district’s ‘natural and cultural assets’.
The meeting will be held at 10am today at East Pallant House, Chichester.