Issue - items at meetings - Dorset Destination Management Plan

VisitEngland established the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) programme to create nationally accredited, strategically aligned destination management organisations capable of driving sustainable visitor economy growth.

Dorset Council has worked collaboratively with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, the Dorset Tourism Association and wider industry partners to secure LVEP status for Dorset. Dorset Council Cabinet approved the creation of Dorset LVEP with Dorset Council as Accountable Body in July 2024.

The Dorset LVEP achieved formal accreditation with VisitEngland in May 2025. Being formally designated as an LVEP gives Dorset and BCP councils access to VisitEngland support including data, expertise, and marketing opportunities.

A condition of all LVEPs is the creation of a Destination Management Plan (DMP).

The Dorset LVEP DMP 2026-2035 sets out a plan to create a year-round destination: addressing seasonality, enhancing visitor spend, improving perceptions of Dorset, strengthening accessibility, embedding sustainability, and enabling sector-wide collaboration.

This report seeks Cabinet approval to formalise the Destination Management Plan and Dorset Council’s role as accountable body for the Dorset LVEP; endorsing the associated governance arrangements for partnering organisations to implement the Dorset LVEP Destination Management Plan Framework.

RESOLVED that Cabinet: -

(a) adopt the Destination Management Plan (DMP) prepared by the Dorset Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP);

(b) authorise the Director for Investment and Development, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Commercial Operations and Destination to enter into any agreements necessary to support delivery of the LVEP programme and LVEP accreditation in accordance with the Council’s constitution and financial regulations; and

(c) delegate to the Director for Investment and Development in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations to review and agree the role of the Destination Management Board and delivery of the DMP and strategy set by the LVEP.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations

· Strengthen Dorset’s position within the national visitor economy framework.

· Support economic growth, employment and business development across Dorset.

· Improve coordination of destination management and tourism promotion activities.

· Provide access to future funding and investment opportunities.

· Align local visitor economy activity with national tourism priorities.

The Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet was advised that VisitEngland had established the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) programme to create nationally accredited, strategically aligned destination management organisations capable of driving sustainable visitor economy growth.

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that Dorset Council had worked collaboratively with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, the Dorset Tourism Association and wider industry partners to secure LVEP status for Dorset, and that Dorset Council Cabinet had approved the creation of Dorset LVEP with Dorset Council as Accountable Body in July 2024.

Cabinet was further advised that the Dorset LVEP had achieved formal accreditation with VisitEngland in May 2025, and that being formally designated as an LVEP gives Dorset and BCP councils access to VisitEngland support including data, expertise, and marketing opportunities.

Further to this Cabinet was informed that a condition of all LVEPs is the creation of a Destination Management Plan (DMP).

Cabinet was advised that the Dorset LVEP DMP 2026-2035 sets out a plan to create a year-round destination: addressing seasonality, enhancing visitor spend, improving perceptions of Dorset, strengthening accessibility, embedding sustainability, and enabling sector-wide collaboration, and that this report sought Cabinet approval to formalise the Destination Management Plan and Dorset Council’s role as accountable body for the Dorset LVEP; endorsing the associated governance arrangements for partnering organisations to implement the Dorset LVEP Destination Management Plan Framework.