Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)
Business
Tees Valley is proud to be an LVEP Region, recognised by VisitEngland as a nationally accredited destination working collaboratively to grow the visitor economy across our area. Led by Tees Valley Combined Authority and the five Tees Valley local authorities, our Local Visitor Economy Partnership brings together public and private sector organisations with a shared ambition to make Tees Valley as welcoming, accessible and connected as possible for residents and visitors alike.
Partnership is at the heart of everything we do. From improving transport connectivity and visitor infrastructure, to marketing and promoting Tees Valley and its tourism businesses, supporting the sector through dedicated business support programmes, developing joined-up itineraries, and promoting high-quality experiences across the region. We work collectively to strengthen Tees Valley’s visitor offer and encourage people to stay longer, explore further and return again. Through our growing visitor economy business network, we also help businesses connect, collaborate and share opportunities that support the long-term growth of the destination.
Alongside our strong local partnerships, we work closely with VisitEngland nationally and VisitBritain internationally to raise the profile of Tees Valley across the UK and overseas, showcasing the region as a vibrant destination to visit, enjoy and stay.
STEAM Data 2024
STEAM Data 2024
STEAM Data 2024
The Tees Valley LVEP Board plays a key role in shaping and championing the future of the region’s visitor economy. Bringing together a mix of privately owned SMEs, major brands, local authorities and public sector organisations, the Board reflects the breadth and diversity of the sector across Tees Valley. Members span accommodation, food and drink, attractions, venues, hospitality, leisure and the night-time economy, alongside partners from transport, education, the screen industries and more.
Acting as the collective voice of the visitor economy, the Board helps guide priorities, inform strategy and support the development of projects, programmes and initiatives that drive sustainable growth, strengthen collaboration and enhance the visitor experience across Tees Valley.
An LVEP - Local Visitor Economy Partnership - is a designation created by VisitEngland to provide strong local leadership and governance in Tees Valley as a visitor destination.
The new LVEPs work in collaboration locally, regionally and nationally on shared priorities and targets. Their mission is to support and grow the visitor economy through robust destination management, strong stakeholder relationships and clear planning.
As the region's Destination Management Organisation, Visit Tees Valley (as part of the Tees Valley Combined Authority) is leading the LVEP, in partnership with the five constituent Local Authorities (Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Redcar & Cleveland), and visitor, culture and hospitality organisations including private sector businesses.
LVEP status provides key benefits including access to support from national tourism body VisitEngland and through greater local, regional and national collaboration.
It puts Tees Valley on an even footing with areas including Manchester, Liverpool, County Durham and Northumberland.
This accreditation unlocks more support to help the region grow its Destination Management Plan to increase the number of tourists and visitors to Tees Valley. It will help put us on a national stage, working alongside other LVEPs in joint promotion activities while benefitting from VisitEngland support to drive the economy forward. It could open up potential funding and ensure the voices of the private sector are heard even more clearly, with strong governance to boost the visitor economy.
The LVEP continues to work closely with public and private sector partners across Tees Valley to strengthen and grow the visitor economy. Through collaboration with businesses, local authorities and industry partners, the partnership supports the promotion of the region across the UK and internationally, while helping to create opportunities for businesses to grow, collaborate and thrive.
Alongside destination marketing activity, the LVEP delivers business support programmes, networking opportunities and industry engagement initiatives designed to strengthen connections across the sector and support long-term sustainable growth.
To stay up to date with the latest news, partnership activity, networking events, business support opportunities and ways to get involved, sign up below to receive regular updates from Visit Tees Valley.
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