Agenda item

Carmel Dennis Tourism Consulting to be heard.

Members received a presentation from Carmel Dennis Tourism Consulting with respect to the Tourism Recovery Plan for the City. Research covered an analysis of the macro-level status and implications for the City of London. Research indicated that 78% of the UK population intended to holiday domestically, and 10% intended to visit London. It was anticipated there would be reduced overseas visitors until 2024.

The City faced challenges due to the small local resident market, and being dependent on City workers and business visitors for its shops, hotels and cafes to be viable. Furthermore, the perception that the City was only accessible by tube created limitations during the COVID period where people were concerned with traveling by tube.

Despite these challenges, there were opportunities to promote the unique experience the City offered, including history, architecture and culture, outdoor eating and roof top terraces, compared to other districts which were dependent on indoor activities such as shopping and theatre. It was noted that the City had an opportunity to promote the numerous ways to access the City, including cycling, bus, train and boat.

It was noted that the City’s Tourism Strategy would remain valid post-COVID, The priorities would remained the same however they should be approached with increased urgency.

RESOLVED, that – the presentation be received and its contents noted.