Board aims to boost revenue from tourism by £2.5bn

Tourism officials across Sussex are coming together to try and boost revenue in the sector by £2.5bn a year over the next decade.

The East Sussex, Brighton and Hove and West Sussex Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) has appointment an advisory board to support the growth of the region's visitor economy.

The tourism sector contributes £5bn annually to the region and supports more than 74,000 local jobs - which is 14% of all employment.

Mardi Roberts, interim chair of the advisory board, said: "Our collective ambition is to elevate Sussex as a leading destination, driving regenerative growth, celebrating our unique assets and ensuring the visitor economy benefits communities right across the region."

The newly-appointed advisory board members include staff from Brighton Pier, South Downs National Park and Goodwood.

The private sector board members will join senior representatives from East Sussex County Council, Brighton and Hove City Council and West Sussex County Council, alongside two chief executives from local district and borough councils.

Experience Sussex, VisitBrighton and a rotating representative from the LVEP's destination forum will also take part in meetings.

Garry Wall, lead cabinet member for economy and skills at West Sussex County Council, said: "It's a strong step towards our wider economic goals, positioning the region as a great place to live, work and invest, creating opportunities for residents and businesses alike."

Despite welcoming the initiative, Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce CEO Christina Ewbank was concerned the board could swallow groups with a local focus.

"It needs to be certain that it spreads itself all across to Rye and up to Crowborough, taking in Eastbourne, and we mustn't lose what VisitEastbourne has achieved," she said.

Ms Ewbank added: "It just would be a shame to lose that identity."

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