Dorset Awarded Local Visitor Economy Partnership accreditation

Dorset has been successful in achieving Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) accreditation.

The status will help to unlock growth opportunities for Dorset’s billion-pound visitor economy and will give access to a network of support as part of the national LVEP programme. The bid was led by Dorset Council supported by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and the Dorset Tourism Association.

Dorset’s application was approved by VisitEngland’s panel of industry experts and visitor economy policy makers at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

 

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:

 

“The Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) programme is transforming the visitor economy landscape in England, supporting its growth in a more inclusive, accessible and regenerative way and I am delighted to welcome Dorset”. 

Working together, the LVEPs are simplifying our tourism landscape, ensuring England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors.  As Dorset is established as an LVEP, VisitEngland will provide ongoing support including a dedicated regional lead.”

 

 

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property & Assets and Economic Growth, said:

 

“This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to working together across Dorset. It creates a strategic lead for the visitor economy that represents the public and private sector and aligns delivery for long-term continuity. We’re just at the beginning, but with LVEP status secured, we'll be invited to take part in national development activities with VisitEngland, and benefit from wider destination development, data and insights and business support, along with training. There will be a Dorset-wide Destination Management Plan, which will support closer working across Dorset and with our neighbouring LVEPs across the South West.” 

 

 

Chair of the Dorset Tourism Association and Lead of the new Dorset LVEP Advisory Board, David Bailey said:

 

“I am so pleased that we have achieved this important milestone for Dorset, establishing an LVEP that covers the whole county. The Dorset Tourism Association is delighted to take on the role of Advisory Board for the partnership for one of the area’s most important sectors and I am sure we will go from strength to strength in supporting businesses in our area”.

 

 

Local Visitor Economy Partnerships have been introduced as part of the government’s response to an independent review of how the nation’s visitor economy is coordinated and promoted and has the potential to draw in additional support and funding.

The tourism industry is crucial to Dorset. Tourism boosts the economy by supporting small and medium sized businesses throughout the county bringing vitality to urban, rural and coastal communities. Tourism contributes £1.76 billion each year to the Dorset economy* and supports more than 35,000 jobs.

More details about the Dorset LVEP and future plans can be found on our website: www.visit-dorset.com/trade.

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*The Economic Impact of Dorset’s Visitor Economy 2023, South West Research Company