Client: East Devon District Council (EDDC)
Challenge:
East Devon sought a five-year tourism vision reflecting its unique local character, key assets, environmental capital, and cultural tourism opportunities. Challenges included defining the council’s role in a crowded promotional landscape, avoiding duplication, and leveraging the dynamic private sector. Alignment with the council’s vision for a cleaner,
greener future with improved accessibility and higher wages was essential.
Approach:
We built on existing regional strategies, engaging stakeholders extensively, analyzing national tourism trends and competitor destinations. The strategy, aligned with the emerging District cultural development strategy, focused on sustainability, resilience, innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity. Core decision areas included partnerships, spatial development, innovation, profile-raising, transitioning to a low-carbon economy, and skills development.
Impact:
The strategy, adopted by EDDC’s Cabinet, prioritizes quality, net zero, and inclusivity for tourism growth. It emphasizes partnership, recognizing the link between expenditure, employment, and supply chains. A strategic framework will support four promotional product themes to raise the area’s profile and attract visitors. Six objectives over five years focus on growth, quality, collaboration, emissions reduction, and accessibility.
Client Testimonial – Geri Panteva, Senior Economic Development Officer, East Devon District Council:
“Nicky delivered excellent work, fulfilling the brief for an ambitious but
achievable tourism strategy. Feedback from businesses on her engagement was brilliant.”
