Suffolk to join Norfolk in new tourism partnership led by Visit East of England

Suffolk county leaders have approved plans to form a new Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) with Norfolk for an initial three-year period.

The joint LVEP, which Visit East of England will oversee, aims to drive growth in the tourism sector by focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility.

Key points:

• Suffolk will match Norfolk's contribution of £110,000 per year for three years

• Funding will come from Suffolk Public Sector Leaders using the business rates pool

• The partnership begins in April 2024 and will be reviewed after three years

• Only recognised LVEPs can bid for national tourism funding going forward

Chris Bally from East Suffolk Council, who submitted the proposal, said: "This investment will ensure Suffolk is treated as a full and equal participant in the management of the LVEP. It gives us a seat at the table nationally and allows us to fully promote Suffolk's tourism offer."

Benefits for Suffolk are expected to include:

• Equal representation on the LVEP board and working groups

• Promotion in the East of England Tourism Awards

• Access to skills development programs

• Product development like new tourism trails and itineraries

• Market research and data on visitors' views

The partnership will also develop a new Destination Management Plan for the region, addressing challenges related to the environment, accessibility, and inclusion.

While Norfolk has committed to five years of funding, Suffolk will review its participation after three years. At that point, leaders can decide whether to continue the joint LVEP or establish a Suffolk-only partnership.

Opinion

As is often the case, there's a risk that other parts of Suffolk benefit more than Ipswich from the joint partnership. How will Ipswich Borough Council ensure fair representation for Ipswich?

It's also worth noting that Suffolk's tourism strategy will now be tied to Norfolk's for at least three years. This could potentially limit Suffolk's ability to pursue independent initiatives during this time. The plan also only commits Suffolk for three years, while Norfolk is in for five. This discrepancy could create uncertainty for long-term planning.

Correction on 29 July 2024: We initially reported that East Suffolk Council is leading the partnership. Visit East of England is leading it.