A major-long term investment to boost jobs and the economy in the tourism sector was agreed by Chichester District Council today (Tuesday 21 July).
The council agreed to treble its annual funding to £150,000 as part of a five-year plan to support Visit Chichester following the coronavirus pandemic.
This will enable Visit Chichester – which supports holiday accommodation, venues, museums, gardens, retail outlets, the arts, the festival theatre and the cathedral – to pioneer new approaches to attracting visitors to the region.
“Tourism is a vital sector within the district – its accounts for £470 million within the local economy and 14% of all jobs – it will play a large role in helping to get our local economy back up and running following the coronavirus pandemic,” says Cllr Roy Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Culture at Chichester District Council.
“We have trebled our investment to Visit Chichester to £150,000 to give the tourism sector the boost it needs. This will help protect local jobs, and will also have a positive impact on other sectors that support the tourism industry.
“Following the coronavirus pandemic, many people are looking to opt for staycations this year. Our message to tourists is that our district is ready to welcome you. We have so much to offer including a stunning coastline, beautiful countryside, and an area that is rich in history – providing you with an unforgettable and special holiday in what has been an incredibly challenging year.”
Chairman of Visit Chichester, Francis Hobbs, welcomes the council’s decision: "Our restaurants, arts centres, theatres, museums, gardens and shops are superb - and given the wonderful architecture, heritage and geography of the district from the downs to the dunes, there is no better place for visitors to come.
"Following lock down, we know just how important visitors will be to securing jobs as well as the assets that make this district such a special place in which to live and work. We are hugely appreciative of the confidence shown in us by the district council. Everyone who lives here will benefit directly or indirectly from this decision today."
Further support for the tourism sector is one of a number of key aims highlighted within the council’s COVID recovery plan, which was also approved by councillors. This looks at both short and long term plan to help all areas of the district recover from the coronavirus pandemic. It focuses on community and housing; the economy; planning, health and environmental protection; as well as the organisation. Details of the full recovery plan can be found here https://chichester.moderngov.co.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=132&Year=0
To find out more about Visit Chichester please see www.visitchichester.org