Roles and Objectives of Southwark Council's Tourism Unit
Southwark Council’s Tourism Unit is part of the Environment and Housing department and has been since 2006. Previously Tourism fell under Regeneration. Tourism works very closely with Environment and Housing on events, visitor management, crime, and rubbish collection. There has been a tourism officer for 6 years.
There is a 5 year tourism strategy, that is running from 2004–2009 and it is the 3rd tourism strategy that Southwark has had. The tourism strategy needs to reflect central governments plans as well as Greater London Authority (the mayors office).
The tourism unit works with various partners:
- London Development Agency, which is the strategic and funding body for London
- Visit London, London's marketing body
- Various partnerships, local regeneration agencies and business-led organisations with destination marketing remits such as Better Bankside BID, London Bridge BID and South Bank Employers' Group.
Key Objectives
Spread tourism further east and South so they can see benefits. Regenerating places like Peckham, the Bellenden area have added a sense of things moving in the right direction.
The tourism unit is responsible for Visitor Management this includes issues like:
- Public Realm — signage
- Coach parking
- Information provision
- Accessibilty
- Lighting
Although it may not be our direct responsibility to put these in place we work with the other council departments to give them recommendations. These issues need to be addressed to make tourists feel welcome and safe and to make the area look attractive to them.
Tourism development of new areas ie Bellenden Renewal area and of new products like the Fashion and Textile Museum. Tourism Development means a lot of partnership working, with the attractions, other council departments, community, London Development Agency and Visit London/ Visit Britain.
Employment and training in tourism — the tourism unit is trying to encourage tourism training for locals and people working in the hotels and attractions. By training frontline staff they will be able to give good information about the area to their visitors. We are also trying to encourage local employment within the hotels and attractions. We are also working with colleges directly and presenting to tourism students.
Marketing and Promotion — destination marketing is an important function for the tourism unit. We are responsible for attracting tourists to the area, and initiating interest.This is done through a number of ways including:
- PR activity
- Website
- Trade shows
- Events
All of these aims and objectives are addressed in the tourism strategy and all of them need attention for tourism to be successful in Southwark, and for it to continue growing.
