Broads Tourism
This initiative was triggered by the Broads Boating Holidays Project
and the need to ignite team spirit between different sectors of Broads
tourism, particularly given the challenge of raising the stakes in
today's highly competitive global tourism market. It seemed only obvious
that to bring disparate tourism operators together would help to break
down barriers and reveal common ground.
The idea of a Broads Tourism Forum was set out via leaflets at the Broads Boating Holidays Project Launch in November 2002. The concept was well received and a further 1,000 leaflets were distributed over the following couple of months to tourism businesses. Following a series of facilitated workshops, the industry decided to establish a new Broads Tourism Forum. Its constitution was ratified in May 2004 when four Honorary Executive Officers were elected. The members want action!
The membership of about 50 continues to expand (soon to include conservation bodies) and encompasses pubs, boatyards, landowners, district councils, attractions, accommodation providers, hotels, funding providers and regional tourism organisations. Meetings are very well attended and actions to date include:
- Development of an extensive database of tourism operators to communicate with the tourism sector at large.
- Campaigning for better litter removal and toilet provision.
- Drafting of a Tourism Strategy, which has informed the new Broads Tourism Strategy.
- Brochure promoting the Broads as a destination for the very first time, launched at the London International Boat Show in January 2005.
- Discussions about a new Visit the Broads website.
- Funding applications for specific projects (e.g. work with the Green Tourism Business Scheme and a familiarisation trip to the Netherlands).
The Forum will be closely involved in helping to deliver the new Broads Tourism Strategy, and was very closely involved in its development.
The Forum has been heavily involved in developing a Joint Tourism Work Programme in partnership with the Broads Authority and the Broads Hire Boat Federation. The programme includes vital areas of work such as a new Visit the Broads website and supporting printed material, development of the Broads Tourism Forum including a Project Officer post, improvements to existing moorings, security at Norwich Yacht Station, ecotourism development and an awareness raising/PR campaign.
The Forum has since applied for £4.5 million to fund this extensive three-year programme. In the summer of 2005 the East of England Development Agency expressed considerable financial interest in supporting areas of this programme, beginning in 2005, but progress has been delayed by complications with its internal processes.
To join the Broads Tourism Forum, please contact Bruce Hanson on 01603 756030 or by email to Bruce.hanson@broads-authority.gov.uk
