Winchester district is part of a newly formed Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), accredited by VisitEngland.
Winchester district is part of a newly formed Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), which received accreditation by VisitEngland in May 2025.
This new LVEP paves the way for a strategic approach for developing and growing the visitor economy across the Solent and Hampshire geographies, aligned to the Isle of Wight LVEP, which was accredited in July 2023.
It puts Winchester at the national table with 40 other LVEPs across the country, to collaborate on activity that supports the visitor economy across the whole region, bid for new funding and share a wealth of information and resources with local businesses.
Winchester's growing tourism sector already supports 5,760 jobs and attracts 8 million visitors each year, making it one of the district’s major industries.
The LVEP will be delivered by Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council, working with other Hampshire local authorities and key stakeholders, with Tourism South East taking the strategic lead.
Councillor Martin Tod, Leader of Winchester City Council, said: “We're proud of what we have to offer here in Winchester. Visitors to our city, our market towns, our countryside and the attractions across our district bring in millions of pounds, support thousands of jobs and drive growth in our local communities. And they also have a great time!
“But we're also stronger together. I'm delighted that the LVEP is joining us up with our neighbours in Portsmouth, Southampton and the rest of Hampshire. Together, we have a fantastic offer to people in the rest of the country and around the world.”
The district’s official destination brand, Visit Winchester will continue to support Winchester businesses with domestic and international marketing campaigns.
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.
