Issue - meetings

To agree to the Gwynedd Sustainable Economy Principles in draft form to commence a consultation process with the residents and businesses of Gwynedd.

To agree to continue discussions on a structure for the future implementation of the principles with Snowdonia National Park and any other relevant partner.

The report was submitted by Cllr Gareth Thomas. 

DECISION

To agree to the Gwynedd Sustainable Economy Principles in draft form to commence a consultation process with the residents and businesses of Gwynedd.

To agree to continue discussions on a structure for the future implementation of the principles with Snowdonia National Park and any other relevant partner.

DISCUSSION

The report was submitted, noting the decision, and emphasising that the principles were in draft form, in order to begin consulting with residents and businesses. It was reiterated that the Covid-19 period had reinforced the need to create principles in the Tourism field. It was noted that the main principle was to create a Visitor Economy for the benefit and well-being of the people of Gwynedd. An explanation was given of the discussions that had been held to create the draft principles, which included workshops with members, discussions with Visit Wales and the tourism sector. It was added that further discussions would be held during the consultation period.

Observations arising from the discussion

¾    It was expressed that this step was an important step to create a new relationship within the field.

¾    It was noted that this work was all important as this was such an important field for the area.

¾    It was explained that the principles were good and clear, but that it was essential that communities, and not just businesses, were involved in the discussion. The need for the discussions to be held with communities on the basis of the 13 highlighted areas was added, as the needs of each area would be completely different. It was emphasised that the discussions needed to be held jointly between communities and the businesses so that the dialogue was created, as well as to share experiences.

¾    It was expressed that a Summit would be held in the autumn, which would include businesses and communities where it would be possible to present the principles in their final form and to create actions.

¾    Support was shown to the principles, as there was a need to ensure that there was benefit to the community through tourism.

¾    It was emphasised that each area would be a part of the discussion, and not the communities where there was a high number of tourism.