The extra support is fantastic to help the whole of the county to reach its potential, but there is so much to do in the city to help make the most of what we have to offer and ensure that we keep visitors coming back repeatedly - and staying for longer!
Portsmouth needs improving and diversifying its tourism offerings, with high-quality accommodation, more to do and ensuring we have cleaner seas that we can make the most of to attract more visitors.
Here we look at 11 things we think our city needs to focus on to help it reach its tourism potential.
5. Hilsea Lido regeneration
The regeneration of Hilsea Lido will been a real boon not only for the city, but for the north of Portsmouth in particular which often feels neglected compared to the south. We have a real chance to get things right here in terms of for residents and attracting wider visitors. The popularity of the outdoor pools and lidos at Petersfield, Arundel and Aldershot show this and that people are prepared to travel for them. So let's get this right! Picture: Habibur Rahman | Habibur Rahman
6. Better infrastructure and transport links
Addressing traffic congestion and improving public transportation could also make the city more accessible to visitors - making it a more attractive prospect. The park and ride is great. But it does not go to Old Portsmouth and Southsea all year round, and it only goes partway across the seafront anyway - and only to limited parts of the city when fully operational. The city council is understandably striving to make the city more attractive to bus users. But many tourists will (obviously) have their cars with them, and it is hard to argue for them to leave them at home or at the park and ride if they cannot get to where they need to go. The seemingly never-ending roadworks across the city is also off-putting too so getting back to a level of normality with that will also help. Photo: Portsmouth City Council
7. Variety of attractions
Our existing tourist attractions are great with the likes of the Historic Dockyard and Spinnaker Tower pulling in largely day trippers. But there has to be more to the city than this because these things on their own will not keep people coming back. Making the most of our waterfront and developing the suggested new water sports centre in Eastney would certainly help the city cater for enthusiasts. This needs to have brilliant links with the existing sailing and water sports clubs on our island city to ensure that Portsmouth is a real watersports destination. But having plenty of attractions for all of the family - not just soft play centres and the fun fair - is also much needed. Tweenagers and young teens are not very well catered for unless you go looking for activities to do. Also showing off our fabulous food and what our modern-day navy has to offer would also be great. A return of Navy Days anyone? | Adobe Stock
8. Promotion of Port Solent
Port Solent is a real gem of a place, but is almost criminally underplayed compared with the bigger Gunwharf. So many visitors just pass it by and head into the south of the city and do not even know it exists. But with large numbers of restaurants, some shops, the cinema and, of course, the marina you could really think that you were abroad. There are a growing number of events taking place there which are increasingly attracting locals, but more needs to be done to ensure it is not overlooked by people travelling in from further afield. Picture: Simon Frost - Instagram: @frosty_the_droneman Photo: Simon Frost