Region’s ambitious new tourism partnership off and running

The meeting followed a successful joint bid for LVEP status earlier this year by councils in Leeds, Calderdale, Kirklees, Bradford and Wakefield alongside West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Under the new LVEP programme, developed and administered by VisitEngland, districts will share ideas and resources to improve the offer and make the most of the region’s 65 million annual visitors.

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.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, who chaired the first meeting of the West Yorkshire LVEP, said: “I’m thrilled that work is underway to showcase our amazing region to the world.

“We’re combining our strengths to ensure that West Yorkshire’s tourism and hospitality businesses can unleash their potential and thrive for years to come.

“West Yorkshire is the place to be. And this exciting new partnership will help us build a stronger, brighter region that works for all.”

The LVEP programme was originally launched nationwide last year after consultation following a government review of Destination Management Organisations across England.

Now it has formed, West Yorkshire’s LVEP will continue working with partners and organisations across the wider Yorkshire region to promote the Yorkshire brand.

Councillor James Lewis, Deputy Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “It is fantastic to be able to bring together key figures who share the goal of showcasing our unique, vibrant and beautiful region to the world and show why we are all so proud to live and work here.

“Having LVEP status means we are now working more closely with our neighbours across the region, as well as working collaboratively with the tourism sector as a whole to really bring together our unique offer and work towards initiatives which encourage even more people to come and visit us.”

The first meeting of the West Yorkshire LVEP board followed a visit from VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes, who came to Leeds to take in key sites, and speak to leads in the region about new ideas and initiatives the West Yorkshire LVEP is bringing forward in 2024.

VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said:  “I was very pleased to visit West Yorkshire and see for myself the fantastic tourism products, businesses and attractions that make this region an outstanding visitor destination. I am also delighted that this new Local Visitor Economy Partnership is already working collaboratively with stakeholders and industry leaders to grow the region’s visitor economy.”

The first LVEP board meeting also comes with the year-long Leeds2023 cultural celebration and Kirklees Year of Music in full swing, and with the region building towards Bradford’s year in the spotlight as the UK’s City of Culture 2025. Wakefield is also gearing up for Our Year- Wakefield District 2024 while CultureDale is being celebrated in Calderdale.

ENDS