Devon & Partners Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP)

About the LVEP

Devon & Partners Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) was established in April 2024 as a public-private collaboration between local authorities, destination management organisations, and regional businesses. As England's third-largest visitor economy, Devon boasts two National Parks, the country's first National Marine Park, a UNESCO biosphere, the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, nearly 700 KM of coastline and over 6,700 sq.km of stunning countryside. 

Our vision

To grow Devon's visitor economy by £300 million annually by 2030. 
Achieving this ambition requires collaboration, but with the right level of public funding, we could accelerate our plans - driving economic growth while supporting national climate and development goals. 

Our main objectives 

Grow Visitor Spend - Shift the focus from day trips to overnight stays, driving higher visitor expenditure

Spread the Benefits - Encourage tourism across all of Devon, supporting local economies and promoting sustainable travel. 

Create a Year-round Economic Driver - Develop a compelling, all-season visitor offer to reduce seasonality and sustain jobs. 

 

 

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

view of dartmoor at sunset

Devon & Partners Advisory Board Members 

  • Visit Devon CIC
  • Destination Plymouth / Plymouth
  • Devon County Council 
  • Visit England 
  • English Riviera BID Company / Torbay
  • Visit South Devon
  • Visit Exeter / Exeter 
  • Visit Exmoor
  • Dartmoor National Park 
  • Exmoor National Park 
  • Professional Association of Self Caterers
  • Food and Drink Devon 
  • East Devon District Council 
  • Mid Devon District Council 
  • North Devon Council / UNESCO Biosphere
  • Devon Association of Tourist Attractions
  • SW Devon District Council 
  • National Trust
  • Brend Hotels
  • UNESCO Geopark 
  • South West Water

Contact us 

For more information about the Devon & partners LVEP, please contact: 

Vince Flower, Chair- vince.flower@visitdevon.co.uk
Amanda Lumley, Executive Lead- amanda.lumley@plymouth.gov.uk
Jamie Evans, Devon County Council / Accountable Body - jamie.evans@devon.gov.uk 

See the latest industry news

5 Common Travel Challenges Visitors Face in Devon

5 Common Travel Challenges Visitors Face in Devon

  • 6 minute read

Devon draws visitors year after year with its dramatic coastline, rolling moorland, and picture-postcard villages. But for first-timers, the reality of travelling here can feel quite different from the brochure. Devon tourism thrives on its natural appeal, yet the region's rural character brings…

Learn More
Devon Tourism Awards

Entries now open for the Devon Tourism Awards 2026/27!

  • 1 minute read

Entries for the 2026 Devon Tourism Awards are now open, giving tourism and hospitality businesses across the region the chance to step into the spotlight. Free to enter and open to businesses of all sizes, the awards celebrate the very best of Devon’s visitor economy, offering a valuable opportunity…

Learn More
English Tourism Week 2026

How Devon Businesses Can Get Involved in English Tourism Week 2026

  • 2 minute read

English Tourism Week 2026 takes place from 13–22 March, providing a valuable opportunity for tourism and hospitality businesses across the country to showcase their offer, celebrate the sector, and highlight the vital role tourism plays in local communities and economies. Led by VisitEngland, the…

Learn More
Plymouth Christmas Market Unwraps Opportunities for Young Traders

Plymouth Christmas Market Unwraps Opportunities for Young Traders

  • 2 minute read

This year’s Plymouth Christmas Market is not only about festive flavours and seasonal cheer, it’s also about celebrating the next generation of business talent. Market Place, the award-winning organisers behind the event, have partnered with the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) to champion…

Learn More

Discover member benefits:

Searching for something