ipswich.gov.uk

New Partnership to Boost Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism with Significant Funding Commitment

Visit England has approved a new Local Visitor Economy Partnership to enhance tourism in Suffolk and Norfolk, making these the latest destinations to gain this prestigious status. Joining 33 other partnerships, Suffolk and Norfolk are now part of an initiative designed to adopt better collaboration, access national funding and strategies, and lead the transformation of English tourism.

Norfolk County Council has committed to a five-year funding programme of £110k annually, overseen by Visit East of England, and Suffolk Public Sector Leaders has agreed to join Norfolk in this partnership and match Norfolk’s annual contribution of £110k. Suffolk will join for five years, with an opportunity to review after three.

Key benefits of this partnership include:

• Equal representation on the Local Visitor Economy Partnership governance board.
• Equal promotion in Visit East of England activities and the East of England Tourism Awards.
• Fair focus in the three-year Destination Management Plan.
• Equal opportunities in skills development, national tourism body representation, and Travel Trade initiatives.
• Balanced development of trails, itineraries, accessibility, and inclusivity guides.

This collaboration aims to boost the visitor economy, promote sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility, and ensure equitable benefits for both counties.

Councillor Neil MacDonald, Chair, Suffolk Public Sector Leaders, says:

"This partnership marks a significant step forward for Suffolk's tourism sector. By joining forces with Norfolk, we can leverage national funding and strategic support to enhance our local visitor economy. We are committed to ensuring that this collaboration brings tangible benefits to our communities, businesses, and visitors."

Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council Leader, says:

"We are delighted that Suffolk is joining this partnership. Our joint efforts will create a more cohesive and robust tourism strategy for the East of England. This initiative will not only boost our local economies but also promote sustainability and inclusivity, re-enforcing our region as a top destination for tourists."

This joint effort, underpinned by significant financial support, will streamline, and strengthen tourism initiatives across Suffolk and Norfolk, benefiting the entire sector through a coordinated approach involving both private and public sectors.

END

NOTES TO EDITORS

Issued on behalf of Suffolk Public Sector Leaders

Suffolk Public Sector Leaders group is made up of county, district, borough council, police, and medical chiefs.

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