• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Wednesday May 7 2025

County tourism gets a boost with VisitWiltshire accreditation

Wiltshire’s £1.5 billion visitor economy received a boost this week after VisitWiltshire gained accreditation from the Local Visitor Economy Partnerships status.

Official LVEP status is awarded to destination organisations who qualify against a stringent set of quality and performance criteria for destination management and development, tourism marketing and promotion, business support, product development and partnership working.

David Andrews, chief executive of VisitWiltshire said: “We are delighted that VisitWiltshire have secured national LVEP status.

“This is a major achievement with the potential to unlock new investment, grow tourism spend throughout the year, extend our reach in domestic and international markets, and better support our tourism and hospitality businesses.

“We’re proud to be working with public and private sector Partners to maximise the LVEP benefits for Wiltshire, our businesses and communities.”

Membership of the Local Visitor Economy Partnerships programme will bring a host of benefits to the county, including inclusion in VisitBritain marketing activity, travel trade and press & PR opportunities, and support with funding bids and access to ring-fenced Government grant funding.

Andrew Stokes, England Director at VisitEngland said: “The Local Visitor Economy Partnerships programme is transforming the visitor economy in England, supporting its growth in a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable way and I am delighted to welcome VisitWiltshire as the accredited Wiltshire LVEP.

“VisitWiltshire have consistently been one of England’s top-performing DMOs and we expect them to play an important role in the new national LVEP structure.”

Wiltshire’s visitor economy supports 28,000 jobs and contributes nine per cent of Wiltshire’s total GDP.

Pictured: Stourhead House, courtesy of VisitWiltshire