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New look Whitby Hospitality Association revealed
A NEW chairman has taken the helm of Whitby Hospitality Association (WHA) in the wake of the row over Folk Week clashing with regatta.
The Whitby Gazette first broke the story last August of how members of the association – which represents 120 hoteliers, b&bs and eateries in Whitby and district – had threatened to withdraw their support for Whitby Regatta if the events clashed again this year.
Graham Collinson, who acted as chairman of the WHA from 2008 to 2009, has now taken over as head of the association from Tony Charlton after being elected at an AGM earlier this month.
And he has told the Whitby Gazettte the WHA is keen to draw a line under the saga and work closely with both the regatta Committee and the organisers of Folk Week.
Mr Collinson, who owns Discovery Accomodation in Silver Street said: "I'm so pleased to have taken over having been asked by so many people. It's an honour to serve the committee.
"We will be working with others in the town. We will be working with the Regatta people.
"We will be working with the Folk Week, we will be working with the Whitby and District Tourism Association and Scarborough Borough Council.
"We are already talking to all these people and trying to bring together events.
"We do have a good relationship with the Regatta committee as we do with Folk Week."
Mr Collinson added he would raise concerns if there is a clash of two major events in the future as the association wants the town to maximise his income.
Committee member Peter Croft, who runs the Sandpiper Guest House and is responsible for publicity for the WHA committee added: "The regatta situation was raised. It's now closed.
"The regatta goes on, Folk Week goes on. We are here to provide accommodation and represent our members.
"I don't think there's anything wrong in raising issues for people to debate."
As an association they have a number of positive plans for the future including a new email newsletter for members and the WHA's new tourism awards, run in conjunction with the Yorkshire Moors and Coast Tourism Partnership at the end of last year, were also hailed a success.
The WHA is also keen to work with other organisations in Whitby to promote the town as an all year round holiday destination.
Mr Croft added Whitby is a unique place and although it isn't recession proof, it hasn't suffered as much as some other destinations.
"I think the biggest hit that's affected us this year has been the weather," he said.
"We are also looking for opportunities to extend the season so we can try and get new festivals out of season.
"We are not just about our members. It's about getting the town to benefit.
"There are benefits for the people that live here as well as the people that are employed."
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Weather for Whitby
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
