MAKING THE SOUTH EAST A WORLD-BEATING TOURISM DESTINATION

"THE SOUTH EAST IS A REGION RICH IN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS and we need to develop the region's planning system in such a way that the tourism industry can grow and prosper." This is one of the key messages of the new spatial planning strategy for tourism published by the South East England Regional Assembly.

The new strategy- entitled 'Destination South East'- focuses on the physical and spatial planning aspects of tourism such as criteria for deciding where new tourism developments should be located and policy advice for developing new, and improving existing, accommodation facilities. It sets out a positive approach to tourism and its related industries while seeking to manage the pressures and problems which a successful tourism industry can create, such as increased pressure on the region's transport system.

Cllr Keith Mitchell, Chairman of the Regional Planning Committee, said: "Tourism is a major contributor to the South East's economy and it is forecast to become even more important over the next 20 years. If the South East is to cope with the challenges which this increased importance will bring and become a world class destination for both national and international visitors we need to take a positive approach to the planning issues related to the industry and encourage all planning authorities in the region to do the same."

Speaking at the launch, Ken Robinson CBE, Vice-Chairman Southern Tourist Board, added: "With London on our doorstep, and Britain's major airports, ports and the Channel Tunnel bringing tourists into the South East, tourism must be planned for and managed if we are to optimise the social, employment and economic benefits it can bring. It is important that tourism industry professionals now respond to the Assembly's Draft Strategy to refine the future planning framework."

Consultation Process
The Regional Spatial Planning Strategy for Tourism is a consultation document which was launched in Woking on 24 October 2002. Copies of the Strategy, and its accompanying synopsis, are available on this web site and at public libraries throughout the region. Additional copies of the Strategy can be bought from the Assembly for £15 (inc. VAT). Additional copies of the synopsis are available from the Assembly free of charge.

The Strategy is out for consultation until 9 January 2003. Following this, the draft will be reconsidered in light of the consultation feedback and will be presented to Government in Spring 2003.

Contact

Lesley van Dijk, PR Executive - 01483 555223

Alex Butlin, PR Executive - 01483 555221

Notes to editors:

1. The Regional Assembly is the “voluntary regional chamber” for the South East. It was established in January 1999 to give a representative voice to the South East region which covers Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Surrey.
2. The Assembly is made up of 111 members including elected councillors nominated by the region’s local authorities and 37 representatives from other sectors of the community (including business, trades unions, education, housing, health, sports, culture, tourism, faith groups, environmental, community and voluntary organisations).
3. The Assembly has three areas of core business:
1. It is the representative voice of the South East, engaging and representing its member organisations and, through them, the wider public.
2. The Assembly has a specific role under the Regional Development Agencies' Act 1998 to ensure the accountability of the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) to the region.
3. The Assembly has been the Regional Planning Body for the South East since April 2001. It has responsibility for proposing strategic planning and transport policies to Government.

Last updated: 21 August 2007