LABOUR'S TOURISM STRATEGY: 'PALPABLY FAILED'

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 4th Jun 2007

Lib Dem Deputy Leader on Norwich City Council, Brian Watkins

Labour's future plans for tourism will be under scrutiny at Tuesday evening's city council meeting. Brian Watkins, Liberal Democrat deputy group leader, will be challenging the Labour administration to reveal their plans for developing the visitor economy in the Norwich area in conjunction with other key stakeholder bodies.

The council's 2007/08 service plan for culture includes a commitment to a 5 year tourism strategy, but Labour have been noticeably quiet on spelling out any specific details.

Cllr. Watkins said, 'since coming to power last year, the Labour administration have palpably failed to move this agenda forward effectively. Their future intentions do not inspire confidence, and they need to come clean about how they intend to promote tourism for the benefit of the city.

The Liberal Democrats set up 'Visit Norwich' to promote tourism in the City

Cllr. Watkins was critical of Labour's relations with outside bodies such as the new Visit Norwich organisation. ' The previous Liberal Democrat administration played a key role in the creation of Visit Norwich, and through various initiatives they are already achieving some notable results. Labour should stop being so obstructive, and work more constructively with them to develop the city's increasingly attractive tourism offer.'

The question Cllr Watkins will be asking is as follows:

'The 2007/08 Service Plan for Communications and Culture includes the objective to develop a 5 year plan for tourism. Would the Leader of the Council please explain how this initiative will be taken forward in conjunction with other key partners such as Visit Norwich and HEART.'

Related Link:

Labour funding cut for Visit Norwich (15 Feb 2007).