LEADING voices behind the East of England visitor economy have today spoken out to reinforce the wisdom of a joint Norfolk and Suffolk partnership bid, in light of a newly unveiled ‘secret hotel inspection’.
In recent days, research carried out by a team of Which? Travel hotel inspectors has positioned two of Suffolk’s venues and one in Norfolk, at the top of the UK league.
Adnams’ Swan Hotel, The Harper in Norfolk, and the Crown and Castle in Orford, were all featured by Which? following secret inspections of hotels across the country.
The results come just two weeks after the latest Visit East of England ‘Visitor Economy’ Conference was staged at the John Innes Centre in Norwich. In it, tourism experts emphasised the relevance and opportunity for counties to come together to form a new LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership).
For the East of England, a partnership between Suffolk and Norfolk would enable the counties to build on high post-Covid visitor numbers and gain further national recognition.
LVEPS will in future be the only structures to receive support from national tourist organisations and bid for national funding opportunies.
Dr Andy Wood OBE DL, who is CEO of Adnams as well as Chair of Visit East of England, said this week’s Which? report, featuring Norfolk and Suffolk hotels as the very best in the UK, is a reminder that we really must be pushing in a collaborative way to create an LVEP model.
“That three of our region’s venues are positioned at the very top of a UK table like this, is a reminder that we are a visitor economy which deserves its seat at the national table.
“There is no doubt in my mind that a joint Suffolk-Norfolk LVEP would bring so much for our region.
“It would give us more muscle and access in terms of national support and funding; would drive our place-shaping agenda and create more jobs, talent and innovation; and it would produce even greater leadership and governance, which in turn will aid sustainable growth in the local visitor economy.”
He added: “The findings of this one piece of hotel research show that we are already a region with a spotlight upon us for the things we achieve and the assets we have.
“What we must do now, is to ensure we collaborate further, and go at pace toward creating a joint model which makes for an even bolder future for our visitor economy.”
Pete Waters, Executive Director of Visitor East of England, reiterated the sentiment.
He said: “This is great news and highlights the fabulous offering we have on the east coast.
“That offering, all our superb visitor economy businesses in a stunning scenery of coast and countryside, will be best served by the tourism bodies and local authorities working in collaboration to forge a joint Suffolk-Norfolk LVEP bid and unlock the possibilities the new national structure will offer us.”
Working with VisitEngland, Visit East of England is now in the process of recruiting consultants to help seek insight and opinion and to create a new Destination Management Plan for Suffolk and Norfolk.
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