Wiltshire is back on the tourist map again thanks to the efforts of VisitWiltshire and their acceptance as a VisitEngland-accredited ‘Local Visitor Economy Partnership’ – or ‘LVEP’. Sounds a bit jargonistic, probably is but it can only help raise the profile of Wiltshire as being a tourist destination to visitors from elsewhere in this country and from the rest of the world. There is a lot here that sets Wiltshire way apart as a tourist destination.
What makes the LVEP status worth having? Official LVEP status is awarded to Destination Organisations like VisitWiltshire, who qualify against a stringent set of quality and performance criteria for destination management and development, tourism marketing and promotion, business support, product development and partnership working.
But David Andrews, Chief Executive of VisitWiltshire said: “We are delighted that VisitWiltshire have secured national LVEP status. This is a major achievement with the potential to unlock new investment, grow tourism spend throughout the year, extend our reach in domestic and international markets, and better support our tourism and hospitality businesses. We’re proud to be working with public and private sector Partners to maximise the LVEP benefits for Wiltshire, our businesses and communities.”
So LVEP will enable Wiltshire to be presented as a tourist destination to lots more possible visitors, and every one that comes will add to the economy of the county, and will help every business here.
Locally, Dawn Wilson, Chair of the Pewsey Vale Tourism Partnership said: “This is fantastic news for our local businesses. VisitWiltshire have been instrumental in driving additional visits and spend to the Pewsey Vale, and their new LVEP status ensures we’ll continue to benefit from national and international promotion. With tourism businesses facing real challenges right now, this accreditation is very welcome, and we’re pleased to have been able to support it”.
Interestingly the announcement from VisitWiltshire acknowledged the support from several towns in the county. Major towns, and includes Pewsey. But Marlborough wasn’t mentioned. Maybe a hangover from the decision a while back for the Town Council to cut spending on tourism? This was reversed to a degree, at a later stage but commitment to attract visitors needs to be consistent and long term. Not at the mercy of short term tactics or saving small amounts, as what is ‘saved’ today my precipitate a potential major shortfall at some point in the future. If Pewsey can attract tourists, so can Marlborough.
Marlborough (very) Open Studios – artists gather on the White Horse of Roundway
