New Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) accreditation, backed by BCP Council and the Destination Management Board, unlocks national support and funding opportunities for the region's £1.76bn visitor economy.

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BOURNEMOUTH, UK – The visitor economy across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole is poised for significant growth and investment following the announcement that Dorset has successfully achieved Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) accreditation. This prestigious national status, awarded by a VisitEngland panel of industry experts and policymakers at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, officially recognises the region as one of England’s top-tier tourism destinations.  

The LVEP programme is a cornerstone of the UK government's new strategy to enhance and simplify England's tourism landscape. By creating a portfolio of high-performing destinations, the initiative aims to ensure the country remains a compelling choice for both domestic and international visitors. For businesses and communities across the BCP conurbation, this accreditation provides a direct line to a national network of support, unlocking new opportunities for development, marketing, and strategic growth.  

This landmark achievement was the result of a powerful collaborative effort. The successful bid was led by Dorset Council and was crucially supported by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and the Dorset Tourism Association, demonstrating a unified commitment to strengthening the entire county's visitor offer.  

The Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole Destination Management Board (DMB), which represents the interests of the local tourism and hospitality sector, played an instrumental role in this success.

Andy Lennox, Chair of the Destination Management Board, commented on the news: "We at the Destination Management Board are delighted to hear this news and are incredibly pleased to have been able to play a part in helping VisitDorset achieve this significant LVEP accreditation. We look forward to our continued involvement and contribution as a board representative in steering the Local Visitor Economy Partnership forward."

The national significance of this accreditation was underscored by VisitEngland. Director Andrew Stokes said, “The Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) programme is transforming the visitor economy landscape in England, supporting its growth in a more inclusive, accessible and regenerative way and I am delighted to welcome Dorset”.  

For local tourism and hospitality businesses in Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, this new status translates into a range of tangible benefits. As an accredited LVEP, Dorset will now receive ongoing support from VisitEngland, including a dedicated regional lead. Local enterprises can expect to benefit from enhanced destination development, access to national data and consumer insights, targeted business support, and specialised training programmes. Furthermore, the LVEP structure has the potential to attract additional government support and funding streams, which will be vital for future projects and infrastructure improvements.  

Looking ahead, a key outcome of the accreditation will be the development of a new, Dorset-wide Destination Management Plan (DMP). This strategic framework will foster closer working relationships across the county and with neighbouring LVEPs in the South West, ensuring a coordinated approach to growing the region's visitor economy, which currently contributes £1.76 billion annually and supports over 35,000 jobs.  

For more information on the Dorset LVEP and future plans, visit: www.visit-dorset.com/trade.