WEBSITE ARTICLE
February 2025
The Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) Advisory Board met on January 22, 2025, for its scheduled meeting, focusing on how to enhance the region’s tourism potential and help the visitor economy thrive.
Delivering action plan
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to delivering the new action plan, to support businesses in the tourism sector and attract more visitors.
The action plan has the following four strategic priorities:
- Grow value: Build a £1bn+ visitor economy across Hull and East Yorkshire by 2029.
- Quality destinations: Present and develop a destination of distinctiveness through animation, pride of place and sustainability.
- Support productivity: Through a new and connected business support package.
- Embrace a new landscape: In partnership with regional private and public sector stakeholders, create a Local Visitor Economic Partnership (LVEP) which supports national visitor performance indicators.
The plan, which is linked with the overarching Destination Management Strategy (2024-2029), is underpinned by specific actions to deliver on each of these priorities. Progress against these actions will be monitored and reported on at the regular Board meetings.
It was noted that businesses in the sector face various challenges during a difficult economic climate, making the support of VHEY more important than ever.
Working with the new Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor
VHEY is committed to forging a positive working relationship with the first Hull and East Yorkshire Mayor, to be elected on May 1, 2025.
It is also keen to work with the new Hull and East Yorkshire Business Advisory Board.
VHEY Chair Chris Blacksell plans to meet with each of the candidates to be the new Mayor to determine their level of support for the visitor economy.
He also plans to meet the Chair of the Hull and East Yorkshire Business Board to discuss working collaboratively for the good of the region.
VHEY a strong performing LVEP
VisitEngland supports the new action plan, citing it as an example of how the VHEY Board is performing well compared to other LVEPs across the country.
VisitEngland is working with the Government, which is launching a new tourism strategy in Autumn 2025. The strategy will look at growth outside London, as well as improving the visitor experience.
VisitEngland is also currently working on different support packages for businesses, including a business event toolkit.
Planning for the REYTAs
Preparations are beginning for the 2025 REYTAs, recognising the significance of tourism to the area and celebrating the quality of businesses and individuals working within it.
It was agreed the REYTAs are a fantastic platform to recognise the businesses working across the sector in Hull and East Yorkshire, and that efforts should once again be made to generate as many nominations as possible.
Further updates on plans for what will be the 15th annual REYTAs will follow.