Support from Wimborne BID has helped Dorset to achieve Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) accreditation.
This prestigious status will help to unlock growth opportunities for Dorset’s billion-pound visitor economy and will give access to a network of support as part of the national LVEP programme.
The successful bid was led by Dorset Council supported by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council and the Dorset Tourism Association. Regional BIDs including Wimborne BID also contributed, sharing their support through letters and testimonials.
Dorset’s application was approved by VisitEngland’s panel of industry experts and visitor economy policy makers at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Work will now begin on an annual growth plan and a longer-term Destination Management Plan for the whole county.
Local Visitor Economy Partnerships have been introduced as part of the government’s response to an independent review of how the nation’s visitor economy is coordinated.
The tourism industry is crucial to Dorset. Tourism boosts the economy by supporting small and medium sized businesses throughout the county and contributes £1.76 billion each year to the Dorset economy* and supports more than 35,000 jobs.
Fiona Harwood, who chairs the BID Board of Directors said: “We’re thrilled that Dorset has achieved this accreditation which has the potential to draw in additional support and funding for the county’s tourism sector. That can only be good for Wimborne. Part of our remit as Wimborne BID is to grow the town as a visitor destination and we will harness any opportunities this new status brings for the benefit of Wimborne’s businesses.”
Chair of the Dorset Tourism Association and Lead of the new Dorset LVEP Advisory Board, David Bailey said: “I am so pleased that we have achieved this important milestone for Dorset, establishing an LVEP that covers the whole county. The Dorset Tourism Association is delighted to take on the role of Advisory Board for the partnership for one of the area’s most important sectors and I am sure we will go from strength to strength in supporting businesses in our area”.
Figures from *The Economic Impact of Dorset’s Visitor Economy 2023, South West Research Company