Torbay Destination Management Plan (DMP) Review

The new DMP sets out a
clear vision and delivery approach for Torbay to continue to grow
and remain competitive within a changing visitor economy. It
focuses on maximising tourism opportunities through a
collaborative, place-based and business-led approach, bringing
together businesses, communities and partners to enhance the
overall visitor offer in a sustainable and inclusive way.

The DMP provides a single strategic framework for managing Torbay
as both a destination and a place, recognising the visitor economy
as an important driver of employment, investment, culture and
community wellbeing, and supporting its ambition as the UK’s
premier coastal destination.

That the refreshed
Destination Management Plan (DMP) be launched for a minimum 6-week
public consultation.

The refreshed DMP
delivery model strengthens leadership and governance through a
place and business-led approach.  This
included the creation of a Visitor Economy Cluster to align
priorities, maximise resources and delivery, and give the visitor
economy a stronger voice in decision-making.

The DMP was also part
of the Council’s approved Policy Framework and was therefore,
in accordance with Standing Order F4 – Budget and Policy
Framework, subject to a consultation period of six weeks.

The alternative option
was to continue with the existing DMP, but the existing DMP was no
longer fit for purpose and out of date, therefore this option was
discounted.

This decision will be
implemented immediately.

To ensure Torbay
continued to develop, remain competitive, and respond to an
evolving marketplace, the DMP had been reviewed and
refreshed.  It focused on maximising
Torbay’s tourism growth potential through a collaborative,
place-based and business-led approach, bringing together
businesses, communities, and partners to enhance the visitor
experience while embedding sustainable and inclusive practices,
supporting its aim as the UK’s premier coastal
destination.

The DMP provided a
single strategic framework for the development and management of
Torbay as both a visitor destination and a place.  It set out a collaborative blueprint to maximise
Torbay’s tourism potential requiring active stakeholder
involvement to deliver a vibrant visitor economy that benefited
residents and visitors alike.  Whilst
the English Riviera remained Torbay’s visitor brand, the
refreshed DMP adopted a place-based approach aligned with the
Torbay Story and Corporate and Community Plan.  It recognised the visitor economy not as a
standalone sector but as a catalyst for wider place-based outcomes,
including employment and skills, culture, investment,
infrastructure development, and community pride and wellbeing.

At the meeting
Councillor Jackie Thomas proposed and Councillor Bye seconded a
motion that was agreed unanimously, as set out above.