Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)

Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly were one of the first accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnerships in England, as we felt that it was very important to actively engage in the national agenda for tourism structures in the country.

The bodies responsible for promoting and supporting the visitor economy in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have worked together to be awarded national status. Visit Cornwall working in ever closer collaboration with the Islands Partnership was one of 15 new Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEPs) in the first wave of LVEPs to be announced by Visit England in 2023.

As the local and national visitor economy re-sets itself for post-pandemic growth, LVEPs will be a core function to provide coordinated working, access to funding and skills support. The benefits the LVEP will bring are essential in ensuring the tourism sector has the support it requires to meet the expectations of the new era, as well as enabling the visitor economy to meet the challenges of the trading environment.

Tourism is not a stand-alone sector; its impact and importance run through the veins of the region, and its ripple effect impacts all sectors of the economy. Collective leadership, therefore, is vital to ensure Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are best placed to meet visitor and market demands. The LVEP will provide that collective approach, ensuring the main partners in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, including Cornwall Council, the Islands Partnership, Council of the Isles of Scilly, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Visit Cornwall and tourism bodies across the region, work collectively with the private sector representatives for the benefit of the region.

LVEPs are a part of the UK Government’s response to the recommendations of The de Bois Review (2021): An Independent Review of Destination Marketing Organisations in England. The report recognised that collaborative working, at both strategic and operational levels nationally and locally, is essential to deliver growth, improve skills and provide greater productivity in the visitor economy. It will also greatly aid the Duchy’s ambitions to become a global leader in low carbon tourism.

Visit Cornwall’s new strategy, 2030 & Beyond, highlights the need for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to work collaboratively, whilst maintaining their own unique brands. This partnership approach is already happening at grass roots level. The award of LVEP status will enhance this at a national level, for the benefit of everyone.

For further information on the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly LVEP please email: mal@visitcornwall.com

Find out more about the national LVEP programme on the VisitBritain website.