A new business alliance designed to boost tourism on the east coast of Suffolk launches today.

The Suffolk Coast Destination Management Organisation (DMO) opens for business amid plans to revamp the tourism industry along the east coast – particularly during winter – and offer a “tighter and clearer product” for businesses.

Tim Rowan-Robinson, chairman of the Suffolk Coast DMO which began its pre-launch phase last autumn, said the new organisation will provide structure and co-ordination for businesses in a region that already greatly benefits from tourism.

According to a 2011 Tourism South East (TSE) report, 10% of the workforce in the Suffolk Coast area was in tourism-associated jobs and £284million was contributed annually to the local economy from visitors.

And Mr Rowan-Robinson insisted the Suffolk Coast DMO is “the way forward” for tourism management and marketing.

“Those with businesses in the region know just what this remarkable coastline can offer visitors, and the Suffolk Coast DMO provides the opportunity for us to work together to showcase as well as develop it,” he said.

“With growing numbers of visitors in the winter months, particular attention should be given to this period and to what can be done to cater for a greater influx of tourists during this time.

“This is our main priority; to encourage people to come here during the winter.

“It is tremendously busy during the summer but we want it to be busier in January and February.

“We want people who visit Snape for one night, for example, to stay for a whole weekend.”

When asked to describe what the DMO’s relationship with Visit Suffolk would be, he added: “We support Visit Suffolk and will work alongside them.

“But there will be a much tighter and clearer product for businesses associating with the Suffolk Coast DMO as we will be focusing on a smaller area. We want anybody that services the tourism industry to sign up, for example, accommodation providers, restaurateurs, and tourist attractions.”

The Suffolk Coast DMO says benefits of annual membership, which is priced at £79 (plus VAT), includes the chance to boost out of season trade, network with key partners and promote businesses and products on its website.

Its introduction follows the creation of other DMOs across the UK including Bath Tourism Plus, Visit York and Cumbria Tourism.

And Suffolk Coast DMO is urging people to attend the first Suffolk Coast Conference at Snape Maltings on Tuesday, September 24.

“We encourage local businesses of all sizes and from all sectors to attend the conference and discover how they can get involved,” Mr Rowan-Robinson added.

To find out more about the Suffolk Coast DMO, visit www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk.