The South West is marking World Tourism Day (September 27) with the launch of an innovative initiative to help boost Devon and Somerset’s tourism industry.
 
The South West Visitor Economy Hub is a new online tool for the sector, gathering and analysing data from various sources, including accommodation providers and attractions, transport networks, parking providers, the weather, and other data providers to help measure occupancy, revenue, footfall and perceptions, faster than ever before.
 
By providing tourism businesses, Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), councils, and the wider business community with consistent, robust and valuable data insights into consumer and business behaviours, the sector will be able to monitor data on a regular basis to identify future trends and react accordingly.
 
This will improve recovery from COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis through more efficient targeting of marketing and product development activity, ultimately boosting the area’s important tourism sector and wider visitor business economy.
 
Created specifically for the industry, the Visitor Economy Hub is the first product of its kind and was developed by T-Stats Solutions Limited which has over 20 years experience in working closely with destination management organisations (DMOs), councils, and business improvement districts across the UK to deliver online, real-time systems enabling users to track the local visitor economy.
 
The project, procured and led by Destination Plymouth working with a number of key partners*, is funded by the former Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSWLEP) through the government’s Local Growth Fund.

Richard Stevens, Chair of Destination Plymouth and former HotSWLEP Board Director, said: “It’s so exciting to see the SW Data Hub now ‘live’ and leading the way nationally after two years of working closely with our partners from across Devon and Somerset.
 
“We are grateful to the former Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership Board for listening to our requests to be able to provide data on the visitor economy across the region that is accurate, real-time and can provide valuable insights for our local businesses, local authorities and tourism partnerships generally to drive growth and efficiencies in how they operate. The formal launch of the SW Data hub today marks a true milestone in how we can access information easily and dynamically, and really use it to grow the sector in Devon and Somerset.
 
“It will help everyone involved make better decisions about marketing, planning, policymaking, and investing for the future – and enhance the reputation of Plymouth and the Southwest as a highly desirable destination not only to visit, but as a superb place to live, work and study.”
 
Vince Flower Chair of Devon Local Visitor Economy Partnership and former HotSWLEP Board Director added: “This revolutionary new tool is a fantastic new resource, providing a sustainable comprehensive data and research programme to support tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses, and to help drive productivity across the Heart of the South West LEP region of Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay. 
 
“We would encourage all businesses in these sectors to sign up. They’ll gain insights into critical aspects of the business and get a current, accurate picture of the tourism landscape which all helps to improve their own economic situation.”
 
For further information on accessing and using the South West Visitor Economy Hub please visit: https://swvehub.co.uk/

 
*This partnership comprises Destination Plymouth, English Riviera BID Company, Professional Association of Self-Caterers, Somerset Council, Torbay Council, Visit Devon, Visit South Devon, North Devon Council, Torridge District Council, North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, East Devon Council, Devon County Council, Visit Exeter, Visit Exmoor and Visit Somerset.
 

“This award recognises the unique Natural Capital assets that are within the biosphere designation.  These include part of our treasured National Parks, some of the most important agricultural assets within Devon and a huge marine area which includes the Isle of Lundy.  Within this, there is a population of nearly 200,000 people all of whom have a relationship with the Biosphere but deserve to participate in this opportunity to improve their economic and social wellbeing.” Added Tim Jones – Chairman, North Devon Biosphere Foundation.
 
“This award is the result of an inspired contribution from the project team.  In recognition of the quality of the proposition, the funding secured is the largest grant to have been awarded in the Country for a “Green Programme”.  It is our biosphere’s ambition to be the lead for Natural Capital activity, regionally, nationally and internationally, this award is a significant step forward in this journey.”
 
The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere’s CRF programme has two linked elements - the Green Biosphere, focused on woodland, regenerative agriculture and agritech; and the Blue Biosphere focused on offshore wind, aquaculture. marine biodiversity and ‘blue carbon’. Both elements have strong skills development and job creation elements as well as plans to redirect private investment into the area.
 
The programme will offer solutions for economic development and raising wellbeing for local communities through innovation projects in nature – on land and at sea.
 
With 70% of Devon’s graduates leaving the county to find better employment elsewhere the CRF money will offer young people exciting job opportunities which will in turn help  protect the local rural and coastal way of life AND address regions net zero ambition.
 
Devon’s richness will be translated into economic prosperity that addresses the climate emergency - including the incredible place we live
 
"It is excellent news that northern Devon’s £1.3 million Community Renewal Fund bid for the Blue & Green Biosphere Natural Capital Accelerator Bid was successful.” added Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon, “This project will seek to enable a further £50 million of private sector investment into our environment and potentially create up to 1300 new jobs by 2026. I am confident that we can back up this positive announcement with further investment in North Devon in the future.”
To find out more about the work of North Devon UNESCO Biosphere and its trading arm the Biosphere Foundation please head to the website: https://www.biospherefoundation.co.uk/
 
Editors Notes:
The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is a UNESCO protected area because of its unique ecosystem. The area covers 30% of Devon and extends 12 miles past Lundy island into the Bristol channel. It is one of 730 Biospheres globally, that together cover 5% of the earth’s surface and are home to ¼ billion people.
 
The Biosphere Foundation is the non-profit trading arm of the Biosphere focused on testing and proving new nature-based economic models and then scaling them regionally, nationally and even internationally
 
The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK, to pilot programmes and new approaches to build community resilience and prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. 
 
Who: Delivery partners:
Rothamsted Research,
Marine Institute, The University of Plymouth
Vivid Economics
Torridge District Council
North Devon +
The Lundy Company
The Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority
Devon County Council
One Northern Devon
Plastic Free North Devon
 
 
 
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