Councillors consider Tourism and its economic benefits to Swansea

The Place Scrutiny Board has recently set up an Inquiry Panel to look at whether Swansea is making the most of its potential as a destination for tourists including whether Swansea maximises the economic benefits.

Councillors highlighted Tourism as a key area of inquiry because it is a major economic sector locally.  Tourism spending contributed nearly £333m to the local economy in 2011.  Currently the tourism industry supports (directly and indirectly) over 5,600 jobs in Swansea Bay.

The Chair of the Panel Councillor John Newbury said ‘I am very pleased that the board agreed to examine Tourism as it is a particularly important industry for Swansea’.

The Tourism Inquiry Panel will be made up of ten Councillors and will take approximately six months to complete their deliberations.  In this time Councillors plan to speak to local providers and relevant groups, the public and tourists. 

They will ask for example:

• ‘Who does what’ in creating the visitor experience?
• What does Swanseahave to ‘offer’ and what is it lacking?  
• What are the economic benefits to Swansea of Tourism and how can this be improved?
• Is Swansea ‘accessible’ as a place to visit?
• What are the challenges for the future?

You can keep up to date with the progress of this inquiry by visiting the Swansea Scrutiny blog.  If you would like further information please contact Scrutinyby email on scrutiny@swansea.gov.uk or by telephone on 01792 637256.