Decision details

To seek approval for the submission of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership application to VisitBritain/VisitEngland responding to the Government’s establishment of a new destination management framework across the country to support the tourism and visitor economy sectors, and to approve the framework for the Sussex Visitor Economy Strategic Plan. The Lead Member will be asked to endorse the future visitor economy arrangements for East Sussex through a pan-Sussex approach with West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council, and approve the County Council’s role and funding arrangements.

21.1     The Leader and Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport.

DECISIONS

21.2     The Leader and Lead Member RESOLVED to:

(1) Approve in principle the structure and funding requirements for the proposed new visitor economy destination management service model termed “Experience Sussex”, subject to Full Council approval of the Annual budget;

(2) Approve entering into a Service Level Agreement with West Sussex County Council to establish and manage the operation of Experience Sussex;

(3) Approve the proposed arrangements for the Sussex Local Visitor Economy Partnership and agree that an application be submitted to VisitBritain/VisitEngland in November 2023;

(4) Approve entering into a formal Service Level Agreement with West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council to facilitate the establishment of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership governance model; and

(5) Delegate authority to the Director of Communities, Economy and Transport to take all necessary actions to give effect to the recommendations in the report including, but not limited to:

a)    approving the Local Visitor Economy Partnership Strategic Plan, and the service design and plan for Experience Sussex;

b)    approving the Local Visitor Economy Partnership application for submission to VisitEngland/VisitBritain;

c)    approving the terms of the Service Level Agreement with West Sussex County Council in relation to Experience Sussex;

d)    approving the terms of the inter-authority Service Level Agreement with West Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council in relation to the Sussex Local Visitor Economy Partnership; and

e)    approving the Local Visitor Economy Partnership governance arrangements on behalf of East Sussex County Council.

REASONS

21.3     The visitor economy arrangements in both the country and the county are undergoing change; future arrangements for East Sussex need to be agreed and established.

21.4     A combination of drivers indicates that the time is right to further consolidate the pan-Sussex tourism collaboration to realise the growth potential of the visitor economy.

21.5     Launching Experience Sussex is a rational and logical next step in the evolution of cross boundary working. This model gives clarity to East Sussex County Council’s application for Local Visitor Economy Partnership status and helps realise East Sussex County Council’s growth potential in this sector.