Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Programme

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We are pleased to announce that Tees Valley has secured Local Visitor Economic Partnership (LVEP) status, a national accreditation which will provide a boost to the region’s tourism offer. It will unlock new funding and support opportunities and increase collaboration locally and nationally. The economic contribution of our tourism sector is already very large, and we now have the chance to drive this forward even more.

18.17m

Visitors to Tees Valley*

*STEAM Data 2022

£1.072bn

Economic impact of tourism in Tees Valley*

*STEAM Data 2022

11,921

People in full-time employment*

*STEAM Data 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an LVEP?

An LVEP – Local Visitor Economy Partnership – is a designation created by VisitEngland to provide strong local leadership and governance in Tees Valley as a visitor destination.

The new LVEPs work in collaboration locally, regionally and nationally on shared priorities and targets. Their mission is to support and grow the visitor economy through robust destination management, strong stakeholder relationships and clear planning.

Who is part of the partnership?

As the region’s Destination Management Organisation, Visit Tees Valley (as part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority) is leading the LVEP, in partnership with the five constituent Local Authorities (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Redcar & Cleveland), Tees Valley Business Board, and visitor, culture and hospitality organisations including private sector businesses.

 

What does it mean for Tees Valley to be accredited?

LVEP status provides key benefits including access to investment and support from national tourism body VisitEngland and through greater local, regional and national collaboration.

It puts Tees Valley on an even footing with areas including Manchester, Liverpool, County Durham and Northumberland.

How will this change the tourism landscape in the region?

This accreditation unlocks more potential funding and support to help the region grow its Destination Management Plan to increase the number of tourists and visitors to Tees Valley. It will help put us on a national stage, working alongside other LVEPs in joint promotion activities while benefitting from VisitEngland support to drive the economy forward. It will ensure the voices of the private sector are heard even more clearly, with strong governance to boost the visitor economy.

What's next?

The LVEP will work with public and private sector partners, creating an LVEP Board to promote the region’s offer across the UK and internationally while ultimately helping businesses flourish, create more jobs and make the region an even better place to live and visit.

To keep track of our progress and be involved, click on the link below and sign up to receive regular updates.

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