Portsmouth’s tourism sector has been given a major boost with a new regional partnership opening doors to national exposure and funding opportunities.

The city is part of a newly formed Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), which just received accreditation by VisitEngland.

It gives the partnership power to take a strategic approach for growing the visitor economy across the Solent and Hampshire region, working alongside the existing Isle of Wight LVEP.

It puts Portsmouth at the national table with the 40 regional LVEPs, to collaborate on activity that boosts the whole region, bid for new funding and share a wealth of information and resources with local businesses.

Portsmouth’s growing tourism sector already supports 12,589 jobs in the city and attracts 12.4m visitors each year, making it one of the city’s major industries.

Achieving LVEP status is an important milestone, opening doors to boost the region’s visitor economy estimated to contribute £3.3bn a year and employ over 87,000 people. It gives opportunity to showcase the region’s unique attractions, drive growth, new investment and create jobs.

The LVEP will be delivered by Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council, Winchester City Council, working with the local authorities and key stakeholders, with Tourism South East taking the strategic lead.

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said: The accreditation of the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton LVEP is great news. The Visit Portsmouth team already make a huge impact on the destination economy and are keen to work with colleagues across the county to grow the visitor economy and ensure that our local tourism businesses benefit from the additional resources and best practice that being part of an LVEP will provide.

The city’s Visit Portsmouth tourism brand will continue, with support for Portsmouth businesses and marketing activity still delivered locally and focussed on the city and its partners.

The national LVEP programme is developed and administered by VisitEngland to create a portfolio of high-performing partnerships working locally, regionally and nationally on shared priorities and targets to grow of the national visitor sector.

VisitEngland Director Andrew Stokes said:

The Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) programme is transforming the visitor economy landscape in England, supporting its growth in a more inclusive, accessible and regenerative way, and I am delighted to welcome the Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton LVEP. Working together, the LVEPs are simplifying our tourism landscape, ensuring England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors.  As Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton is established as an LVEP, VisitEngland will provide ongoing support, including a dedicated regional lead.

The LVEP partnership will start work on a region-wide Destination Management Plan and Growth strategy, outlining the foundations, sustainable direction, opportunities and work plans.