About Devon and Partners LVEP
What Is an LVEP?
A Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) is a strategic collaboration between public-sector bodies and private-sector organisations designed to support, manage, and grow a region’s visitor economy. LVEPs bring together local authorities, destination management organisations, and businesses to deliver coordinated marketing, development, and investment activity.
In practice, an LVEP:
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Provides a unified approach to developing the visitor economy
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Strengthens relationships between tourism businesses and local government
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Helps secure funding and drive long-term economic growth
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Ensures destinations meet national standards set by VisitEngland
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Supports sustainable development and year-round economic resilience
In short, an LVEP is the recognised structure for shaping a stronger, more coordinated, and more competitive visitor economy at a local and regional level.
Our Vision
Our ambition is to grow Devon’s visitor economy by £300 million annually by 2030.
Achieving this requires strong partnership working and targeted investment. With the right level of public funding, we can accelerate delivery, boost productivity, and contribute to national priorities for sustainable development, climate action, and regional economic growth.
Our Core Objectives
Grow Visitor Spend
Transition from a predominantly day-trip market to higher-value overnight stays, increasing visitor expenditure and supporting local businesses.
Spread the Benefits
Promote the full breadth of Devon’s destinations, helping to balance visitor flows, strengthen local economies, and support sustainable travel.
Create a Year-Round Economy
Develop a compelling, four-season visitor offer that reduces seasonality, sustains employment, and positions Devon as a vibrant destination throughout the year.
Since our launch, we have:
- Established a strong, representative Advisory Board
- Built a cross-county partnership for Devon's visitor economy
- Strengthened ties with Visit England
- Developed a Growth Plan
Key Visitor Economy Facts for Devon
- £2.3 billion annual visitor spend
- Supporting over 50,919 jobs (9% of total employment)
- 23.4 million staying visitor nights (international and domestic)
- 23.9 million day visits annually, generating £944 million in spend
- 4,876 tourism businesses supported
- 48,078 serviced accommodation beds
* SWTR Cambridge Model 2022 data
