County's tourism gets boost from industry body

Tourism across a county has been given a boost after the area joined a scheme aimed at growing the sector.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough were awarded local visitor economy partnership status (LVEP) by VisitEngland, the England tourist board.

The successful bid was led by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

"We are building a new partnership that reflects how the visitor economy actually works," said mayor Paul Bristow, who will initially chair the LVEP board.

"It's about jobs, transport, culture and showcasing our region to business visitors and key investors," he added.

For Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, the new partnership will focus on unlocking further growth in a sector that already contributes £2bn annually and supports about 40,000 jobs, according to the combined authority.

The mayor said he hoped it would deliver "a more joined-up approach to attracting visitors, securing investment, and creating skills and career pathways for local people".

VisitEngland director Andrew Stoke said: "Working together, the LVEPs are simplifying our tourism landscape, ensuring England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors."

Do you have a story suggestion for Cambridgeshire? Contact us below.

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.