The hunt is on for top regional talent working in the tourism and
hospitality sectors to help drive forward ambitious plans for the
region's visitor economy.
Tees Valley boasts Local Visitor Economy Partnership status,
providing key benefits to our region to supercharge our tourism
offer and promote the area as a premier destination.
The designation puts us on level pegging with areas like County
Durham, Northumberland, Liverpool and Manchester, raising our
regional profile on a national and international level while
opening up new support streams with the likes of VisitEngland and
VisitBritain.
Now a new Board is being established to guide this vital work and
those with sector-specific expertise, strategic insight, strong
networks and a passion for enhancing the local visitor economy
are being called on to apply.
Whether you represent a small, boutique getaway, a large regional
attraction, a festival, museum or gallery – applications are open
to all dedicated individuals that work in the sector.
Content creators and accessibility advocates and experts are also
encouraged to apply.
The LVEP Board will be chaired for the first year by Tees Valley
Mayor Ben Houchen and backed by the Combined Authority and Tees
Valley Business Board.
This is a fantastic opportunity to boost the industry, shout
about all the great things on offer in Tees Valley, welcome even
more people to our area and cement Tees Valley's place on the
map.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “Tourism brings massive
benefits to our region – in 2023 alone we saw a £1.3billion
economic boost from the sector. This is vital to support our
attractions, plus fantastic high streets and hospitality – the
majority of which are SMEs, the lifeblood of our
region.
“We've got a fantastic opportunity to grow this sector even
further, but we can't do it alone. We need expertise of all
shapes and sizes to help us bang the drum of what Teesside,
Darlington and Hartlepool has to offer to help more people
discover our area and, ultimately, create more jobs and put more
money in people's pockets.
“I'd call on anyone to apply and help drive the change that you
want to see to highlight our area as the gem we know it
is.”
VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said: “I wish the Tees Valley
Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) every success in
securing an inspiring new Board to lead the destination as it
sets out its vision for the future.
“The search also shines a timely spotlight on the industry's
economic importance and the fantastic work underway with
stakeholders across the region to grow the visitor economy. We
look forward to continuing to work with the Tees Valley LVEP and
its Board, building on the region's success and ensuring Tees
Valley remains a top destination for both domestic and
international visitors now and in the years ahead.”
Applications close at 12pm, Friday 21 February, with the first
meeting to take place on 19 March to coincide with English
Tourism Week.
Apply now by visiting the dedicated page on the TVCA
website
