Newly-launched South West Visitor Economy Hub will collect real-time information to track and support the area’s tourism sector and the wider visitor business economy
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/
Ends
*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, East Devon Council, Devon County Council, Visit Exeter, Visit Exmoor and Visit Somerset.
Notes to Editors
About The former Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership
The Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership – covering Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay – was one of the 38 LEPs in England. The Heart of the South West LEP was a business-led partnership between the private sector, local authorities, universities and colleges. The Heart of the South West LEP was formally ‘wound up’ in March 2024.
Local Authority Officer Group
The Spring Budget 2023 set out Government’s intentions to withdraw support for LEPs from April 2024 and to transfer functions to local authorities. Following submission an Integration Plan to Government, the local authorities of Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council, Somerset Council and Torbay Council are looking at entering into agreement to underpin the transfer of functions and the fair distribution and management of assets, under the name of the Local Authority Officer Group.
Government ‘Local Growth Fund’
On 4 August 2020, the government confirmed the list of over 300 successful projects which will receive a share of £900 million from the Local Growth Fund. The full list of projects is available on GOV.UK.
The Local Growth Fund is investing in shovel-ready infrastructure projects to create jobs and support economic recovery across the country. Projects funded include:
- regeneration of town and city centres
- green infrastructure and clean energy
- transport and digital connectivity improvements
- unlocking of housing and business sites
- support for SMEs and learners
The successful projects (over 300) are expected to deliver up to 85,000 jobs, over 1,500,000 sqm of commercial floor space, unlocking 45,000 homes, almost 1,000,000 sqm of public realm or green space improved or created, over 50,000 new learners assisted, and 65 million kgs of CO2 emissions saved. All projects have been selected by Local Enterprise Partnerships and Mayoral Combined Authorities in each area and endorsed by the Housing Secretary.
T-Stats Solutions Limited
T-Stats Solutions Limited has over 20 years’ experience providing advice and solutions to tourism destinations and businesses for the tracking and measurement of the sector. They work closely with destination management organisations (DMOs), councils, and business improvement districts across the UK to deliver online, real-time systems that enable the user to track the local visitor economy, and assist with planning, marketing, policy-making and regulation of the sector.
Directors: Jessica Watkins, Kevin Millington
Website: t-stats.co.uk
Contact: 01580-879977
