Just looking at Annette Cole's summary of 2009, I am keenly reminded of the challenges faced in the last 12 months. With a tourism industry dominated by small businesses I am delighted that, in the South West, our businesses have been able to innovate and adapt to change quickly, meaning that we have protected our existing markets and attracted new ones. I hope that 2010 sees both loyal and new visitors returning to enjoy the delights of the South West!
Innovation and creativity are essential to ensure that tourism continues to make a positive impact on the regional economy - generating jobs through primary and secondary spend and on the back of that, generating income for the Exchequer.
I am sure that 2010 will bring its own set of challenges. At South West Tourism, we will be working hard to ensure that tourism remains high on the regional and national agenda, working to reduce barriers to success and enable the industry to flourish. Behind the scenes we will continue to work closely with our public sector partners, focusing investment in essential services - like car parking, toilets, public realm and clean beaches to name but a few.
Importantly, we will provide fast and meaningful research and knowledge, so that you can plan ahead for a productive future. We will also work with partners to ensure that the region has a positive media profile, look out for our national campaign in February, created to drive business to the South West during spring and early summer.
I'm now just 4 weeks into my new role here at South West Tourism, and I want to make sure that the support and leadership we offer remains relevant to tourism in the South West. With this in mind, I would like to give you the opportunity to comment on the services we provide, and how we can improve these, so look out for our survey early in the New Year, and give us your thoughts!
Finally, we will be launching the next stage in the regional tourism strategy in the first part of 2010 - its vision remains a sustainable future for the region's industry, but it will be updated to reflect the new landscape we are facing. We do intend to ask for your input and views on this, please do feedback to us, your views matter. We need to make sure that the strategy remains aspirational, yet achievable and relevant, and that it nests with the emerging England Strategy.
Happy New Year
Summary of 2009 and outlook for 2010
Maureen McAllister
Director of Tourism
South West Tourism
Date added: Monday 21st December 2009
Latest updated: Friday 7th June 2013
Comments
Major Ian Hill (For Kevin Ian Hill *), Crimson hill farm (Buzzards View)
It is too early to make any constructive comments at the moment but please watch that it is not too much spin and not enough action
Comment made: Tuesday 22nd December 2009
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