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 your reach and impact.
Network Connections
Improved connections across the full visitor economy network, from national bodies to local businesses.
Cross-boundary working
The ability to work across local authority boundaries to address shared challenges and priorities.
The LVEP also plays a key role in destination management, supporting collaborative planning, joined up investment, and delivery of the annual Tourism Growth Plan. Workstreams span across sustainability, accessibility, skills, research, travel trade, business support and wider sector engagement.
Together, the partnership aims to grow the value of the visitor economy, strengthen place reputation, improve the visitor experience, and support 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 and 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.
Some members of the Board also make up a smaller Executive working group tasked with 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. 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.
