Dorset LVEP About Us

Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) – a new framework for tourism leadership  

The Dorset Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) is a VisitEngland accredited collaboration between Dorset Council, acting as the Accountable Body, with support from Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council, private sector partners and industry stakeholders. The partnership was formally approved on 31st March 2025, following the national move to create a network of accredited LVEPs across England.   
  
LVEPs are part of a new framework led by VisitEngland, designed to recognise destinations that demonstrate strong local leadership, robust governance and the ability to deliver strategic visitor economy activity. As an accredited LVEP, Dorset acts as the official local destination partner of VisitEngland, enabling stronger national alignment and providing greater visibility, support and opportunities for local tourism businesses.   
  
The partnership brings together councils, sector representatives and local stakeholders to develop a high performing, sustainable and resilient visitor economy. Core benefits of LVEP status include: 

Stronger Voice  

A stronger voice for the visitor economy locally and nationally, with direct representation at regional and national level. 

VisitEngland Support 

Access to VisitEngland support, training, insights and marketing opportunities to grow Dorset’s reach and impact. 

Network Connections  

Improved connections across the full visitor economy network, from national and regional bodies to local businesses and organisations. 

Cross-boundary working  

The ability to work across local authority boundaries to address shared challenges and priorities. 

 The LVEP plays a key role in destination management through its 10 year Destination Management Plan, the overarching strategy for Dorset's visitor economy. It provides a shared vision and framework to help align policies, investment and activity across the county, ensuring a coordinated approach to the development and management of the destination. The plan addresses key themes of sustainability, accessibility, skills, research, travel trade, business support and wider sector engagement. 

Together the partnership aims to grow the value of the visitor economy and improve the visitor experience, supporting long term prosperity for communities and businesses across Dorset. 

Who’s involved - The Dorset LVEP and Its Advisory Board   

The Dorset LVEP operates under a collaborative governance structure involving Dorset Council as the Accountable Body, with support from Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Council and an LVEP Advisory Board.   

The Dorset Tourism Association CIC acts as the Dorset LVEP Advisory Board with a formally appointed Chair and Board Members representing every sector of the visitor economy across 

Dorset. Together the Advisory Board guides the LVEP’s strategic direction.  

A smaller Executive Working Group is tasked with co-ordinating and delivering LVEP activity.  

The board’s collective priorities include: 

• championing the visitor economy, representing tourism businesses across the county and lobbying for Dorset via a direct link to VisitEngland and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).  

• gathering intelligence, inspiring excellence and supporting initiatives to benefit Dorset’s visitor economy.  

• championing Dorset to national and international audiences, fostering collaboration between partners and embedding sustainability, accessibility and innovation across the visitor experience. Further details are available in the Dorset Tourism Association’s Terms of Reference.