Town Guide debate an "opportunity not a threat" - Rother

Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Ainsley Gill had sent Rother a lengthy letter detailed the chamber's concern about Rother's proposal to axe the Town Guide in favour of a single folded information sheet.

The chamber is also concerned that Rother's electronic Destination Management System has failed to direct any accommodation bookings to the town.

In a letter of reply to the chamber president, Graham Burgess says:"There is much that we all agree about who we are seeking to benefit and what our priorities should be; this is a much wider issue therefore than the merits of the Bexhill Guide.

"It is important that we take a critical look at how we can best promote Bexhill collectively so as to maximise the benefit to businesses in the town.

"This debate should therefore be seen as an opportunity rather than a threat.

"I am aware of the trepidation with which this discussion has been met by a number of accommodation providers.

"I suspect this may in part be due to the uncertainty generated by any suggested change; particularly since there has been no alternative option on which to make a judgement, ahead of the discussions that started with last week's meeting.

"I note your comments about the extent to which the Guide is relied upon as a source of business. Does this level of business suggest that it might be capable of being produced on a commercially viable basis?

"It is certainly true that the Guide combines a number of roles and functions, many of which I would agree are important components within a promotional strategy.

"The question we should be asking, and regularly review, is how these components are best delivered; and how we assess their effectiveness. I agree that printed material is important and I have never suggested otherwise.

"May I assure you that there is no question of the Destination Management System being 'forced' on accommodation providers. It is available, free of charge, for providers to use if they wish but naturally one would expect it to be part of a portfolio of outlets that providers use to promote their accommodation and availability.

"Many small hotels / B&B's in 1066 Country do use the system to very good effect.

"I note your comments regarding kiosks but it has never been suggested that the 9,000 marketing budget will be diverted to support these and I certainly would not recommend that it should."

The head of regeneration says he looks forward to seeing the chamber president at the next meeting on the subject.

"I believe it would be beneficial to hold regular meetings to consider the marketing of Bexhill so that we can ensure that our collective efforts are directed to best effect for the benefit of the businesses of Bexhill."

Mr Burgess' response to the chamber was received by the Observer too late for inclusion in last week's issue.