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County 'could be tourist destination of choice'

Delapré Abbey Richard Clinton, facing the camera, smiling. He is wearing a blue shirt, with a brown jacket and is standing in front of a historic building, which is blurred. Delapré Abbey
Richard Clinton said he was "truly honoured" to take on the voluntary role

The man appointed in a new role to promote tourism in a county said it had potential to become a "destination of choice" for national and international visitors.

Richard Clinton has been appointed chairman of the Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP).

The current chief executive of Delapre Abbey, he said he hoped the voluntary role would "amplify the voice of the sector".

It aims to bring together tourism businesses with North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire council, to "strengthen and build on the area's visitor economy".

Delapre Abbey Delapre Abbey, a large brick-built house, with a grey roof, a large garden, with flower beds, and green lawns. Delapre Abbey
Delepre Abbey, in Northampton, was renovated and opened to the public in 2018

The county currently receives 18 million visits a year but Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development at Conservative-controlled West Northamptonshire Council, has previously said: "I think we're undersold nationally and internationally."

The two councils said they had submitted the LVEP application to Visit England, which, if approved, would give county national accreditation, boost tourism and unlock new opportunities.

Mr Clinton said: "This is an exciting opportunity to bring together the incredible diversity of our hospitality, heritage, culture, and attractions that Northamptonshire has to offer, alongside the passion and expertise of our partners.

"There is a clear vision to build a vibrant, sustainable visitor economy that showcases Northamptonshire as a destination of choice for both national and international audiences, delivering real benefits for businesses and those living in Northamptonshire."

Phil Lawrie, chief executive of Silverstone Museum, said: "The visitor economy is an important growth sector for Northamptonshire and success will only be achieved by leveraging the attributes of multiple stakeholders."

Kate Bradbrook/BBC Chester House - a three-storey Northamptonshire stone manor house with gravel path and benches in front. There are three wooden benches, signs and grass areas. Kate Bradbrook/BBC
The Chester House Estate, near Wellingborough, is one of Northamptonshire's newest tourist attractions, and get about 200,000 visitors a year

Helen Howell, North Northamptonshire Council's Conservative deputy leader and executive member for sport, leisure, culture and tourism, said the move represented an incredible opportunity to highlight the county's "unique offerings, from its rich heritage and world-class motorsports to its thriving arts and cultural scene".

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