Towns and cities across West Yorkshire have joined forces to form a Local Visitor Economy Partnership to maximise the potential of the region’s visitor economy.
It will involve councils in Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees, Bradford and Wakefield alongside West Yorkshire Combined Authority. An interim board has been appointed which includes key tourism partners across West Yorkshire who will help shape the future or tourism for the region.
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “Local Visitor Economy Partnerships are at the heart of transforming the visitor economy landscape in England and we are delighted to welcome West Yorkshire onto the programme.
“We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with West Yorkshire as the LVEP is established, providing ongoing support including a dedicated VisitEngland regional development lead.
“Having the right national and local infrastructure in place to grow our visitor economy, in an inclusive, accessible and sustainable way, will ensure England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors.”
Currently, each of the five West Yorkshire districts manage tourism activity for the region’s 65 million annual visitors individually.
The new LVEP programme, developed and administered by VisitEngland, will see districts come together, sharing ideas and resources while they collaborate on ways to grow the visitor economy, attract more visitors and inward investment and create job opportunities across West Yorkshire.
The West Yorkshire LVEP will also be able to access expert advice, dedicated toolkits and training programmes as well as getting support for applications for important national funding.
West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said: “Through this new partnership, we can drive forward West Yorkshire’s tourism offer and give the sector the vital support it needs. Combining our strengths to build a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire, we’re ready to show the world why it’s the place to be.”
Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy, culture and education, said: “We are delighted to have secured LVEP status and excited that we will now be working more closely with our neighbours so that together, we can showcase the very best West Yorkshire has to offer.
“Our region is a completely unique, vibrant and beautiful place which deserves an international spotlight. By working more collaboratively and sharing ideas, we can support each other in highlighting what makes our districts so remarkable individually whilst also collectively showing just how special West Yorkshire is as a region.”
