A tourism leadership board has been appointed to drive growth in the visitor economy of Telford and Shropshire, in England’s West Midlands, the Whitchurch Herald reported on June 15.
The board will steer the sector through the Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), part of a VisitEngland-accredited scheme designed to bring together councils and industry behind a single destination strategy, as English regions compete for a larger share of domestic and inbound tourism.
It brings together 10 industry leaders from sectors including heritage, culture, hospitality, events and retail, with the aim of delivering the area’s Destination Master Plan, strengthening its national presence and opening new opportunities in tourism.
The board has been established through collaboration between Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council, Visit Shropshire and Visit Telford.
“We’ve brought together a leadership board with the reach, experience and energy to make a real difference,” said Mandy Thorn, chair of the Telford and Shropshire Tourism Board. “Our job now is simple: back great businesses, champion our places, and deliver the Destination Master Plan with pace and purpose.”
Angela McClements, co-vice chair of the board and Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said the board showed the scale and richness of the visitor economy. “By working in true partnership, we can welcome more people, create opportunity and ensure the benefits of tourism are felt in towns, villages and neighbourhoods across Telford and Shropshire,” McClements said.
Andrew Stokes, England director at VisitEngland, described the area as a destination of national significance with a mix of heritage, landscapes and culture. “This Tourism Leadership Board is a strong step forward: bringing partners together around one plan, one voice and a clear route to delivery,” Stokes said.