A new programme aims to influence the destination marketing of the region
A network of businesses has been set up to champion Hull and East Yorkshire as a visitor destination for national and international tourists. Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) has launched the Strategic Partners programme with the aim to support 1,8000 organisations in the visitor economy, employing more than 21,000 people directly, and thousands more in the supply chain.
The group is intended to boost tourism, unlock investment and create jobs. Firms and organisations can become Strategic Partners via different packages to suit their needs, with funds generated from the programme being reinvested to support the visitor economy across Hull and East Yorkshire.
Chris Blacksell, chair of VHEY – the region’s tourism partnership – said: “We’re really excited to launch the VHEY Strategic Partners programme. The Strategic Partners are a powerful network of leaders who understand that success for our region will lead to success in business. This will create a stronger, more prosperous region for us all.
“Our Strategic Partners are an influential group who positively seek to develop connections, create synergies and influence the development and promotion of the region’s visitor economy through commitment, involvement and a fresh way of thinking. As a VHEY Strategic Partner, organisations champion and invest in activity to support the delivery of effective destination marketing and economic growth for the area, and use their shared expertise to influence wider visitor economy investment.
“This, in turn, will support our communities to thrive and experience a great quality of life.”
VHEY – which is funded by Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council and supported by private sector businesses – says Strategic Partners will benefit from visibility at its flagship events, including the annual REYTAs tourism awards and its Tourism Conference. They will also receive promotion on the organisation’s website and marketing materials.
One of the first businesses to join was Hull Trains. Its head of communications and partnerships, Richard Salkeld, said: “Hull Trains is truly committed to being a VHEY Strategic Partner. We appreciate the significant part we play in helping the region’s visitor economy prosper.
“We bring thousands of people in and out of Hull and East Yorkshire each and every month, and we ensure our partnerships support the region’s economic prosperity. The visitor economy of critical for this part of the world. It has such a tremendous cultural offer – whether that’s the city centre, the coast or the countryside. There really is something for everyone.
“We’re proud to play an active role in showcasing and celebrating that offer, on a national and international scale.”
PR, communications and media liaison company Lyon PR is another Strategic Partner. Founder and managing director Rick Lyon said: “This region has so much to offer, and we’re stronger when we work together – so the more organisations that join the Strategic Partners programme, the better it will be for all of us. We have such a breadth of different businesses working in the visitor economy, and they need support. That’s what VHEY’s Strategic Partners programme is providing.”
Hugh Jones, founder and director of sound, stage and lighting equipment company HPSS, another Strategic Partner, said: “At HPSS, we’ve always valued cooperation, partnership and working together to create events. We’ve been involved in a lot of VHEY events, and we’ve seen first-hand the great work they do to promote businesses and visitor attractions in the region.
“The visitor economy is vital to what we do. We’re very passionate about designing and creating events that are memorable, to help promote the region. Getting involved in the Strategic Partnership programme is vital to that.”