Visit Nottinghamshire, the visitor economy division of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire (MNN), has announced the successful approval of its Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) application, marking a significant milestone in the organisation's ongoing commitment to the development and growth of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s visitor economy.
The LVEP application made by Visit Nottinghamshire in collaboration with key stakeholders and partners, has been approved by the UK’s national tourism agency VisitEngland this week, unlocking significant benefits such as access to specialist training, expert advice, and toolkits, as well as support on Government bids for funding.
Visit Nottinghamshire joins 32 LVEP accredited tourism agencies in the country putting the region firmly on the map. With the support of the LVEP, Visit Nottinghamshire will be able to implement a range of targeted strategies and projects designed to drive visitor numbers, stimulate economic growth, and showcase the rich cultural heritage and attractions that Nottingham and Nottinghamshire have to offer
Megan Powell Vreeswijk, Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire said: "We are delighted to have secured the LVEP status and gain national recognition. This accreditation will enable us to tap into national and international initiatives and campaigns and support our efforts promoting Nottinghamshire as a top destination for visitors. We are grateful for the support of our partners and stakeholders and look forward to delivering impactful projects that will benefit the entire region, its businesses and all the people who call it home."
Key areas of focus for the LVEP status include:
- Marketing and promotion campaigns to attract visitors from across the UK and beyond.
- Development of visitor experiences and attractions to enhance the overall visitor experience.
- Support for local businesses, including training, development, and infrastructure improvements.
- Collaboration with local communities and stakeholders to ensure the sustainable growth of the visitor economy.
Andrew Stokes, Director of England at VisitEngland added: “The Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP) programme is transforming the visitor economy landscape in England, supporting its growth in a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable way and I am delighted to welcome Visit Nottinghamshire.
“Working together, the LVEPs are simplifying our tourism landscape, ensuring England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors. As Visit Nottinghamshie is established as an LVEP, VisitEngland will provide ongoing support including a dedicated regional lead.”
Nottingham City Council has been a long-standing partner of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and its visitor economy division supported Visit Nottinghamshire’s LVEP application.
Cllr Steve Battlemuch, Portfolio Holder for Skills, Growth, Economic Development and Property at Nottingham City Council said: “It is brilliant news that Visit Nottinghamshire have secured the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) accreditation. This brings fantastic opportunity for the city and county to work together to promote tourism in the area, ensuring that our vibrant offer, including sites such as Wollaton Hall and Park, Nottingham Playhouse, the Contemporary and our vibrant night time economy are maximised to help contribute towards a successful local economy. We look forward to being engaged in the activity of the LVEP.”
Nottinghamshire County Council and Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, recently struck a deal to promote the County’s tourism offer.
Commenting on Visit Nottinghamshire’s successful bid to gain VisitEngland accreditation, Councillor Keith Girling, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management said: “This is fantastic news for Nottinghamshire’s visitor economy. We were proud to support this bid. This accreditation now gives the county a further boost to help showcase what it has to offer. By working in partnership, including with other councils and stakeholders in the city and county, we will continue to build momentum and create a thriving visitor economy.”
The approval of Visit Nottinghamshire's LVEP application underscores the Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire’s commitment to driving economic growth and prosperity in the region. By leveraging this opportunity effectively, Visit Nottinghamshire aims to position the region as a must-visit destination for both leisure and business visitors.
The latest visitor economy annual data reveals that tourism is worth more than £2.05 billion to the local economy, thanks to almost 33 million visitors to the county and city combined. This helps support more than 20,000 full time equivalent jobs in this sector.
For more information about Visit Nottinghamshire, please visit www.visit-nottinghamshire.co.uk/