Newly formed partnership given national recognition

A recently established collaboration has attained accredited status.

The newly established Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton local visitor economy partnership (LVEP) has been granted accreditation status by VisitEngland, making it one of 40 such partnerships across the country.

The objective of this fresh collaboration is to expand and boost the tourism industry throughout the Solent and Hampshire regions, aligning with the Isle of Wight Local Enterprise Partnership (LIVEP) that gained accreditation back in July 2023.

Tourism South East is assuming the strategic leadership role, collaborating with Hampshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, and Southampton City Council. Winchester The City Council along with various local authorities and interested parties.

The LVEP programme, developed by VisitEngland, is a result of the Government's independent de Bois review of destination management organisations in England.

The programme creates high-performing partnerships working on shared priorities and targets to support the growth of the national visitor sector.

The partnership is excited about achieving LVEP status, which opens up national recognition and opportunities to boost tourism across the region.

It is predicted for 2023 that the area's tourism industry will contribute around £3.3 billion and provide jobs to over 87,000 individuals.

Andrew Stokes, the director of VisitEngland, stated: "The Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) initiative is reshaping the tourism sector across England. It promotes sustainable development that is equitable, accessible, and environmentally conscious. I'm thrilled to greet the inclusion of the Hampshire, Portsmouth, and Southampton LVEP into this program."

Cllr Steve Pitt, leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: "The accreditation of the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton LVEP is great news.

The Visit Portsmouth group already has a significant effect on the economic landscape of the area and is eager to collaborate with partners throughout the county to expand the visitor economy. They aim to guarantee that local tourism enterprises gain advantages from extra support and superior practices offered through membership in an LVEP.

Councillor Martin Tod, the leader of Winchester City Council, stated: "We are proud of what we can offer here in Winchester."

"But we're also stronger together.

"I'm delighted that the LVEP is joining us up with our neighbours in Portsmouth, Southampton and the rest of Hampshire."

The LVEP partnership will start work on a region-wide destination management plan and growth strategy.