Decision details

To award the contract for the delivery of visitor economy services described below to the winning bidder of a tendering exercise.

The successful supplier will be expected to develop innovative and creative solutions to grow the Kent visitor economy and support KCC’s priorities for this sector, which are to:

·        Promote the county to target visitor markets to increase numbers of visitors to Kent and the value of visitor spend

·        Support growth in the Kent visitor economy

·        Provide high quality support to the Kent tourism business sector

·        Improve the skills levels of employees within the Kent visitor economy

·        Attract additional public and private sector investment

As one of its three clear aims within Bold Steps for Kent, Kent County Council is committed to growing the economy of Kent. Ensuring a strong visitor economy in Kent, attracting visitors and visitor spend and providing support to Kent tourism businesses is a key element in achieving this aim.

Financial Implications:
£280,000 per annum, for 3 years, with option to extend for further 3 years
Legal Implications:
None
Equality Implications:
Equality requirements were included as part of the tender specifications

The matter is referred to in the Divisional Business Plan or Medium Term Capital Programme

The Leader of the Council has agreed that KCC enter into a contract with an organisation, as named in the exempt report, and in line with the financial expectations set out in the public report, to deliver Visitor Economy Services for the administrative area of Kent County Council.