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19 Jun 08Workshop Explores Tourist Attraction Ideas
A workshop has been held to explore ideas for a potential new attraction to boost Poole's tourism economy.
Members of Poole's tourism and business community met with members and officers from Borough of Poole to discuss what opportunities may exist for a tourist attraction in the town.
Tourism businesses in Poole were invited to attend the workshop, held on Monday June 16, as were local councillors, members of Poole's Town Centre Management Board 
. Other key stakeholders, including the South West Regional Development Agency and Poole Harbour Commissioners were also invited to the event.
Ideas arising from the workshop for potential attractions will initially be considered by members of the Poole Tourism Management Board for further evaluation.
Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman of Poole Tourism Management Board, said: "The workshop was a very positive event and showed the clear commitment from the council and the industry of working together to further the success of the town. We have a very strong product in the town already with our stunning harbour, beaches, parks and Quayside, along with major quality attractions such as Compton Acres and Tower Park, but recent losses of attractions on the Quay has meant that our competitive position has lessened, and with it visitor numbers.
"We are keen to explore new attraction opportunities and if we can develop a clear picture of what investment the town would like to attract it will give all of those involved the confidence to respond positively if an approach is made, or to be proactive if opportunities become known. There were many fresh, imaginative and innovative ideas being put forward at the workshop which will now be evaluated and then shared across the town."
Cllr Xena Dion, Chairman of the Local Economy Overview and Scrutiny Group, Borough of Poole, said: "Tourism plays a hugely important part in the success and dynamics of Poole's local economy and the Council is fully committed to helping the local industry seek suitable leisure investment which will help develop it still further.
"However, we need a clear vision of what investment would be right for Poole. The first stage of this is to work with our tourism businesses and major stakeholders so we can consider what options would be possible to deliver in Poole.
"A number of ideas have now been put forward and officers will be evaluating these against various strategies and objectives. Those ideas that appear to meet Poole's requirements will be shared with Poole's residents through a public consultation exercise to seek their views and comments. Involving the community and gaining its support is vital for the success of tourism in Poole."
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