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LVEPs (Local Visitor Economy Partnership)

What are LVEPs?

The Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Programme is an initiative launched by VisitEngland in response to the de Bois Review of Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) in England. The programme seeks to create a national portfolio of high-performing LVEPs working collaboratively at the local, regional, and national levels to support and grow the visitor economy.

Fifteen LVEPs were announced in April 2023, following a consultation with DMOs across England in autumn 2022. These LVEPs include Marketing Cheshire, Experience Oxfordshire, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, Visit West, Marketing Manchester, Visit Peak District, Derbyshire and Derby, Visit Hertfordshire, Visit Kent, Liverpool City Region, Cumbria Tourism, and Birmingham, Solihull and the Black Country. They were joined by the North East DDP pilot LVEPs: NewcastleGateshead Initiative, Visit County Durham, and Visit Northumberland.

The LVEPs will work closely with VisitEngland during the set-up process and beyond, with ongoing support from a team of five new Regional Development Leads. They will have access to expert advice, toolkits, and training programmes from VisitBritain/VisitEngland, covering areas such as commercialisation, distribution, accessibility, sustainability, business support, and marketing.

Being part of the LVEP programme will provide LVEPs with a nationally recognised official status, as well as strong leadership and management of their destinations. They will work collaboratively with the public and private sector, shaping and delivering national strategy and activities. Their important role will be promoted across government and national agencies, ensuring the local visitor economy is an active and valued contributor to Levelling Up and the wider economy.