We must get all stakeholders to recognise the importance and significance of Tourism to the local economy. It can only grow, and we must not get left even further behind. It is one of the vital points of the local economy.

The Chamber is willing to invest some of the Tesco money this year into the development of Tourism with part funding of attractive Tourist Boards and a walks tourism leaflet. We are still awaiting the completion of proposals.

We must substantially improve what we have to offer particularly relating to Town Centres. The Town Council has done a superb job re Miners Memorial Park, and we are willing to give some help for improving the Stream and Hollies Garden in Midsomer Norton. The Radstock Town Traders floral contribution re Britain in Bloom is example of what else can be achieved. We must also work with partners to develop Town Park linking Midsomer Norton, Westfield and Radstock together.

Gateways to towns and signage has been on the agenda of many meetings ever since I moved her 6 years ago, improvements are practically non existent. All talk and no action. This must now become a priority.

Funding has been available for a Tourism Information Point in Midsomer Norton. This must be realised as soon as possible.

We must highlight the advantages of area, Country side Hotels, some with Spa facilities, Nursery Rhyme villages such as Kilmersdon, (Jack and Jill),Holcombe, (Ring o’ Roses) and Mells (Jack Horner),  Excellent Food, Michelin Star restaurant, Gastropubs and stunning scenery. Good as destination centre and base for Shepton Mallett shows, Wells, Bath, Bristol, Cotswolds, (Part of our area is within Cotswolds), Glastonbury, Longleat, and North Somerset Coast, Prehistoric, Iron, Roman, etc Historical connections. Downside Abbey and of course the old Roman Road Fosse Way connecting Exeter to Lincoln.

The Chamber is looking at ways of highlighting the importance of Tourism, and the Board will at its next meeting be considering proposals from the Chief Executive to:

a)      Add to the Chamber Title (Midsomer Norton and Radstock Chamber of Commerce and Tourism”)  to highlight the importance of Tourism to the local economy.

b)      Look at the possibility of developing a destination brand incorporating local tourism industries eg “Destination Somer Valley”

c)      Work with other agencies throughout the UK to develop local destination brand.

d)       Encouraging holiday journalists and writers to visit this area and see its attractions.

e)      Developing its own web site to promote Tourism locally.

f)        Work with its own Tourist Chamber members to help promote local Tourism using various agencies and funding.

g)      Help provide a Diary of Events of local events to promote the many local events such as Carnival, Mardi Gras, Village Days, Farm Events, Musical Events, Xmas Extravaganza, Radstock Museum and Midsomer Norton Station Events, and Farmers Market which hopefully with our partners can encourage to be part of a Food Festival next year.