£130,000 Boost Planned for Chichester’s Tourism Drive

Tourism in the Chichester district could receive a £130,000 funding boost from the council over the next four years.

The money would continue the council’s support for The Great Sussex Way – the organisation that promotes Chichester and the surrounding area as a visitor destination.

The funding, which currently runs until 2025/26, is now expected to continue through to 2029/30, subject to approval by full council later this month.

The Great Sussex Way works to attract visitors, extend their stays, and boost spending in local shops, attractions, and hospitality businesses.

Councillor John Cross, cabinet member for culture, sport and place, said the renewed funding would help Chichester remain “a strong and active partner” within the wider Sussex Local Visitor Economy Partnership, which supports tourism across East and West Sussex and Brighton & Hove.

Tourism is a key part of the local economy, supporting 74,000 jobs across Sussex and generating around £5 billion each year.

Cllr Cross acknowledged mixed views about the organisation but said it was “not perfect, neither is it broken,” adding that the new agreement would include ambitious targets to ensure the funding delivers real benefits for local communities and businesses.