To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Shelim, Clark and Majeed.

To receive declarations of interests from Members of the Forum in respect of

any item to be considered at the meeting.

None.

To note the Part I minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 26^th November 2018.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY; That the minutes of the meeting held on the 26^th November 2019 were agreed and approved.

To receive a verbal report from Louisa Dean, Head of Communications and Marketing (RBWM).

Louisa Dean (Head of Communications and Marketing) gave a presentation on the above titled item. Members were informed that the presentation would outline the future delivery of tourism across the borough through collaborative and partnership working. The Forum were told that the Royal Windsor Visitor Information Centre (VIC) was open 363 days per year and provided an accommodation booking service, box office for borough attractions and events (with advantage card discounts for residents), public transport ticket, visitor information and a small amount of retail products. Councillor Dudley queried whether the borough received any commission from ticket sales and it was confirmed that there was a bespoke arrangement for companies which ranged from 10-15%. It was highlighted that there were ticket sales for local events that were hosted for free, such as the Windsor Wednesday at Ascot Racecourse and for other paid events such as the Windsor festival through the VIC. Members of the Forum were informed that there was a wide range of other services available through the VIC which included, free entry to Windsor Castle for advantage card holders, discounts for LEGOLAND and Saville Gardens. There had been an increased footfall to the VIC and that this had risen over the summer months with both residents, domestic visitors and international visitors. Members of the Forum were told that the marketing team had resourced the Royal Borough tourism website, e-communications, social media, digital signage, brochures, travel trade campaigns and public relations. The Marketing team were also responsible for conducting research, delivery of the tourism strategy, business development, volunteering and skills, training and apprenticeship services.

The Forum were informed that currently there were contracts in place for 2019 for; website and e-communications; visitor guide; social media and PR; Venues directory, buyer events, social media, digital communications; Windsor and Eton Map; Box Office and Concierge Scheme Hotel Partners. It was highlighted that 68% of the tourism service costs were recovered through the current contracts in place as above. At present apprenticeships were offered across the locality in Windsor, Ascot and Maidenhead. Members were told that there were numerous business partnerships and visitor attraction partners, and these included pubs, hotels, shopping centres, Great Western Rail, photographers, bloggers and Maidenhead Mums. The Forum were told that train tickets were available for purchase on the Visit Windsor website and that this was a unique offering which other local authorities did not provide. It was highlighted that Windsor was the second most visited town in the UK after London and attracted 8.2 million visitors and 1.7m nights in the borough’s hotels and B&Bs. It was outlined that there had been £567m spent by tourists in Windsor, £37m spent on average in the local economy every month, £188m generated by overnight stays and £253m generated from day trips. The Forum were informed that 8816 individuals were employed locally and for those living nearby and that 10.5% of the population was employed as a result of tourism in the borough.

Members were informed of various tourism delivery  ...  view the full minutes text for item 157.

Round Table from Visitor Management Forum members.