Agenda item

To receive a report from the Chief Officer (Economy and Skills) exploring the importance of tourism in Leeds and highlighting its impact on the local economy.

In her introductory remarks the Chair expressed her delight that members would have the opportunity to examine this topic following their previous requests. She thanked officers for the detailed report.

Those in attendance for this item were:

·  Cllr Jonathan Pryor (Executive Member, Economy, Transport & Sustainable Development)

·  Fiona Bolam (Chief Officer, Economy and Skills)

·  Belinda Eldridge (Head of Service, Destination Marketing and International Relations)

Following the Chair’s introductory remarks, Belinda Eldridge delivered a presentation that covered the following topics:

-  The economic impact of tourism in Leeds

-  The varied ways in which income from leisure tourism supports local economic growth.

-  The geographical centrality of Leeds.

-  An update on business tourism in 2023.

-  The role of Conference Leeds.

-  The impact and growth of UKREiiF.

-  National framework for Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) and Destination Development Partnerships (DDPs).

-  Governance structure for the West Yorkshire LVEP.

-  The West Yorkshire LVEP and the Destination Management Plan.

-  Opportunities and threats for the development of tourism in West Yorkshire.

The Scrutiny Board received an overview of the economic impact of international tourists as opposed to domestic tourists.

Members sought further information about the structure of the formal Destination Marketing Organisation (DMO) for Leeds. Members received further details about the structure of the DMO and the interim LVEP board. Belinda set out the next steps to seek the final membership of a permanent LVEP board, with EDI values at the heart of the process.

Concern was raised about the growth of short term lets in the city and the negative impact this may start to have on some communities. Several members were keen to explore opportunities for greater proactive management of short-term lets in Leeds. Belinda Eldridge advised members that this has been raised in the House of Lords and via a private members bill in the House of Commons.

Belinda noted that there is an ambition to establish a public-private model of long-term funding for the visitor economy in Leeds. She confirmed that a wider commercial strategy may involve a membership model.

The Scrutiny Board sought information about comparative conferencing facilities in neighbouring authorities and core cities. It was noted that Leeds is the only core city without a dedicated convention centre, which results in a loss of business tourism for the city. Members were also advised that Leeds has the smallest visitor economy team of any core city both in terms of budget and resource.

Members discussed the ambition for the Royal Armouries to develop a conference centre with the capacity to seat approximately 1,800 delegates. In response to member queries about current capacity, Belinda advised the Scrutiny Board that the current facilities at the Royal Armouries are already completely booked for the next year. She confirmed that the team is confident of the capacity to grow business tourism further.

Members noted their in-principle support for the development of purpose built convention facilities in the city.

UKREiiF was cited as an example of how the city has hosted a large-scale conference – with over 13,000 delegates – using a different delivery model to the traditional convention centre, and showing the potential for growth in future.

At the request of members, Belinda set out the way in which an Accommodation BID (ABID) may operate. She reiterated that this would be a voluntary levy on the invoices of those staying in a hotel for each night of their stay. The income generated by a hotel levy could be used to create more momentum behind larger events, including by potentially providing a subvention to secure major business.

Hoteliers are keen to see more overnight stays and longer stays, and major events will be a significant part of achieving that growth.

Councillors sought more information about how the LVEP could secure data regarding visitor perceptions of Leeds and considered how anonymous data may be shared in future.

Members examined the benefits of providing a welcome for major employers relocating to Leeds – supporting the Bank of England in establishing their expanding workforce in Leeds was cited as an example of this work.

Belinda reassured the Scrutiny Board that the team will be exploring opportunities to grow sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Members explored ways in which leisure tourism is promoted to business visitors to encourage return visits to the city.

RESOLVED:

The Scrutiny Board noted and provided comments on the information provided in the report and the progress made.

Members asked that their in-principle support for the development of purpose-built convention facilities be noted.

Cllr Sandy Lay left the meeting at 11.55am.