York and North Yorkshire Launch New Tourism Initiative: A Collaborative Effort to Boost Local Economy

York and North Yorkshire Launch New Tourism Initiative: A Collaborative Effort to Boost Local Economy

York and North Yorkshire launch a new partnership to enhance support for local tourism businesses, aiming for sustainable growth and community engagement.

A New Partnership for Tourism

A fresh initiative has been unveiled by the York and North Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), designed to bolster support for local tourism businesses. The LVEP convened its inaugural board meeting on September 23, with aspirations of crafting a more cohesive and strategic framework to elevate the visitor economy.

Who’s on Board?

This newly formed board includes a diverse array of representatives from the North Yorkshire Council, City of York Council, Visit North Yorkshire, Make It York, VisitEngland, and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. Their combined efforts aim to promote the region, which is blessed with stunning natural landscapes and rich historical sites.

Economic Impact

David Skaith, the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, highlighted the importance of tourism, noting that it attracts over 40 million visitors annually and contributes a whopping £6 billion to the local economy, supporting more than 54,000 jobs. He emphasized the goal of this partnership: to champion the businesses located in the region's must-see destinations.

Focusing on Sustainability

Mark Crane, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for business, voiced a commitment to sustainable tourism, aiming to encourage visitors to prolong their stays and enjoy all that North Yorkshire offers. This initial meeting signals the beginning of an ambitious and collaborative journey set to enhance local tourism.

A National Initiative

The LVEP is part of a broader national initiative led by VisitEngland, which seeks to fortify destination management and unlock the full potential of the UK’s visitor economy. Cllr Pete Kilbane of the City of York Council noted the importance of collaboration, stating that working together can propel their efforts further and faster.

Engaging the Community

The board plans to hold meetings across various locations, offering tourism businesses and stakeholders direct access to decision-makers, ensuring that the benefits of the booming visitor economy are shared with local residents.

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