Devon & Partners Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) brings together local authorities, destination management organisations, and regional businesses to shape the future of Devon’s visitor economy. Formed in April 2024, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to collaboration, sustainability, and innovation across one of England’s most distinctive tourism regions.
As England’s third-largest visitor economy, Devon is home to:
- Two National Parks
- The country’s first National Marine Park
- A UNESCO Biosphere
- The English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark
- Nearly 700 km of coastline
- Over 6,700 sq. km of stunning countryside
Accredited by VisitEngland, Devon & Partners sits within a new national portfolio of recognised LVEPs – destinations that demonstrate strong leadership, governance, and partnership working across the public and private sectors.
How the Growth Plan Came Together
Following accreditation, one of the first priorities was to create a shared Growth Plan – a framework for collaboration and investment across Devon’s visitor economy. This plan sets out how we’ll work with VisitEngland to target support, identify priorities, and turn shared ambitions into action.
The Devon & Partners Steering Group and Advisory Boards met throughout 2024 and into early 2025 to develop the plan, which was formally agreed with VisitEngland in March 2025. Despite funding challenges, it was delivered thanks to the time, commitment, and expertise of organisations right across the county.
Purpose and Focus
The LVEP exists to provide leadership, influence, and a strong collective voice for Devon’s visitor economy – locally, regionally, and nationally. Its purpose is to drive policy change, unlock funding, and advocate for sustainable development and growth across the region.
The Growth Plan Framework sets out the structure for our work over the first 36 months, with the initial phase covering March 2025 to December 2026.
Our Seven Strategic Priorities
- Advocacy & Leadership – Forge strategic partnerships and strengthen the organisation
- Data & Insight – Improve the quality and use of tourism data to support decision-making
- Partnerships – Deepen collaboration to drive delivery and impact
- Position & Profile – Elevate Devon’s brand and visibility through marketing and PR
- Skills Development – Expand and upskill the tourism workforce
- Accessibility – Work with VisitEngland on AccessAble and roll out the Accessibility Training module
- Sustainable Tourism – Champion low-carbon travel, green infrastructure, and inclusive accessibility
These priorities align with Devon’s wider ambitions to extend the season, encourage visits beyond traditional hotspots, and develop new, high-quality leisure products.
Progress and Next Steps
As we approach the first anniversary of submitting the Growth Plan to VisitEngland, the Steering Group and Advisory Board have reviewed progress and set out priorities for 2026. A new Growth Plan Summary highlights our achievements so far and the next stages of delivery.
Click here for the latest Growth Plan Update
Acknowledgements
“I would like to thank everyone involved in helping us progress these themes and actions. Without your time, commitment, and resource, it simply would not have been possible to get this far.”
*Vince Flower, Chair of Devon & Partners LVEP*
