Shepway Economic Development Strategy 2012-2017 1 Capitalising on our Tourism Assets As a coastal district, the tourism, leisure In addition to this, the Council contributes and hospitality sector represents a towards a range of tourism-related significant percentage of the local partnerships and initiatives aimed at economy. According to research carried improving the visitor experience in the out in 2009, this sector contributes £219.3 district. This includes working with Kent million to the local economy and supports Wildlife Trust and the White Cliffs and around 4,000 jobs, which equates to Romney Marsh Countryside Partnerships around 11-12% of total jobs in the over a number of years to promote district. It is therefore vital that the Council rural and coastal Shepway; supporting allocates some of its limited resources into the Creative Foundation in running the working with key partner organisations internationally renowned Folkestone to help support and foster growth in this Triennial and working with the Shepway sector in order to create new employment Heritage Tourism Forum on heritage and opportunities and encourage increased tourism issues. visitor numbers from the UK and overseas. The Council is fortunate to have a number The Council works closely with Discover of tourism-related businesses that have Folkestone Hythe and Romney Marsh, plans to expand their operations in the tourism promotion and marketing the District and increase employment body for the district, and Visit Kent to opportunities – these include Port Lympne raise awareness of the tourism offer and Wild Animal Park, the Grand and London has worked collaboratively to increase Ashford Airport. The Council will work with visitor numbers to our attractive beaches, these and other businesses, to help them countryside and key attractions. reach their maximum potential. 19 Action Link to SDC Timeline Partners Target SDC Funding Strategic Objectives Support Discover Folkestone Creating Places where Ongoing – SLA Shepway DC, Visit Kent, 500,000 visitors to the £15,000 pa Hythe and Romney Marsh people want to live, work agreed for each Folkestone Town Centre DFHRM website pa. and visit. financial year. Management. Increase in tourism Performing Effectively expenditure by 10% between 2010 and 2015 (Cambridge Model). Deliver a successful Triennial June-September Creative Foundation (lead) 125,000 visitors to the Staff time in 2014. 2014 Folkestone Triennial in Shepway DC, KCC, Arts 2014. Council Promote Green Tourism and Ongoing Shepway DC, DFHRM; 12,000 visitors to the £9,950 pa Leisure in the district. KWT; WCCP/RMCP; Romney Warren per towards RMVC WCLP; FHC annum. 1,000 people taking part £40,000 pa in organised activities towards RMCP through the WCCP/ RMCP Staff Time (New Up to 10,000 visitors CRO recruited to sports events on to address Folkestone Harbour coastal issues). Support the development Ongoing Shepway DC and Tourism Increase tourism-related Staff time and expansion plans of key Businesses jobs in the district by 5% tourism businesses. 20 What Local Businesses can do to support the aims of this Strategy There are many ways in which businesses can play a key role in taking the local economy forward: Getting involved – join the Shepway Business Forum. Talking about your future plans - keep us informed so we can offer support where required. Taking part in our initiatives – with financial support from the Council you could take on an apprentice to help develop your business. Buying local – source wherever you can from local businesses to help keep every £ earned in Shepway spent in Shepway. Being positive about the area – it has a lot going for it. For more information on this strategy or any of the initiatives included within it please contact: Jeremy Whittaker Economic Regeneration Team Leader Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue Folkestone CT20 2QY 01303 853375 [email protected] 21.