Item/Min Ref: Title of Report: Officer presenting:

International Appalachian Trail AGM Head of Tourism , Arts & Culture September 2016 Author:

Tourism Officer

1 Purpose of Report/Recommendations 1.1 The purpose of the report is to notify members and secure council support to host the 2016 AGM of the International Appalachian Trail (IAT)

2 Background 2.1 The Appalachian Mountains were formed more than 250 million years ago when the earth's plates collided to form the supercontinent of Pangaea. When today's continents separated remnants of the Appalachians ended up in eastern United States, eastern Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia, the British Isles, Brittany, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria. 2.2 The idea to create a hiking trail through the northern Appalachian Mountains was proposed in 1994. The aim was to develop the trail along the coast of the north eastern United States and Canada. In 2009 consideration was given to extending the IAT to the Appalachian terrains of Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Greenland became the first chapter outside of North America .This was followed by Scotland. By the end of 2011 there were IAT chapters in Maine (US), New Brunswick, Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island (Canada), Greenland, Scotland, the Republic of Ireland , Wales, England, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Spain, and France. In 2014 the IAT Ulster- Ireland section was developed. There are currently 23 IAT chapters in North America, Europe and Africa. 2.3 The Ulster- Ireland chapter of the trail runs from west Donegal to Larne. The route largely follows the existing Ulster way.3 sections traverse Derry City & Strabane District Council: Glenties to Killeter (55KM); Killeter To Gortin (58KM); Gortin to Moneyneany (37KM) 2.4 At the September meeting of the Ulster-Ireland Chapter of the IAT council and member representatives were advised that IAT's main chapter were interested in hosting their AGM in Europe and specifically within the Ulster -Ireland's Chapter area. It was agreed that this represented an excellent opportunity to showcase our product to an international market. Expressions of interest were sought among those present to host the event. Derry City & Strabane District Council have indicated an interest. 2.5 It is estimated that the AGM will attract up to 50 participants, many of which will travel with their families.

3 Key Issues 3.1 The majority of delegates will be arriving in advance of the AGM, stay in the area and remain on holiday after. 3.2 Each council area is to develop and cost suitable touring itineraries of their areas for the delegates and their families. Delegates will be responsible for meeting the costs of these itineraries should there be sufficient advance demand. 3.3 The host council generally covers the cost of a pre AGM dinner event for AGM delegates, venue hire, and transport from pick up points to and from the AGM, light refreshments on the day. 3.4 The proposed date for the AGM is Thursday 22nd September, with the Alley Arts & Conference Centre earmarked as the venue. It is proposed the pre AGM dinner will be held at a suitable venue within the City on Wednesday 21st September. This will be preceded by a tour of local venues.

4 Financial, Equality, Legal, HR and Other Implications 4.1 It is estimated that the financial cost to council of hosting the event will be £3,000 EX VAT. This will be resourced through the rates allocation for tourism activity. A staffing resource will be required to oversee the management of the process and ensure opportunities arising from the AGM are maximised.

5 Recommendations 5.1 Members approve our bid and resources required to host the International Appalachian Trail AGM in September 2016.