Events & Entertainment | Posted on September 11th, 2026 | return to news

Tourism plan for Dorset launched

Plan marks an important milestone for visitor economy across the whole of Dorset bringing together tourism businesses.

People are to be encouraged to take their holidays in Dorset, with the launch of the first-ever county-wide destination management plan at Dorset Museum & Art Gallery on 9 September.

The plan was jointly funded by Dorset and BCP Councils, through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and produced with the Dorset Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Advisory Board.

It has been shaped by feedback from tourism businesses, partners and stakeholders through workshops and surveys held across Dorset. It will be delivered through the Dorset LVEP.

Lyndsey Turner Swift, deputy director, VisitEngland, speaking at the launch said: “Destination Management Plans are a key requirement of the VisitEngland national LVEP programme and provide the strategic direction needed to unlock a destination’s full potential.

“Dorset has brought together businesses, local authorities and industry partners around their vision for the future.”

Other speakers at the event included Cllr Richard Biggs, deputy leader of Dorset Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Tourism; Matthew Piles, strategic director at Dorset Council; and David Bailey, chairman of the Dorset LVEP Advisory Board and Dorset Tourism Association.

Cllr Biggs said: “This launch marks an important milestone for our visitor economy and demonstrates the strength of partnership working.

“Dorset Council is pleased to act as the accountable body for the Dorset LVEP, recognising that tourism is a vital part of the county’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and businesses.

“This plan provides a clear framework for sustainable growth over the next decade. By working together through our Local Visitor Economy Partnership, we can build on Dorset’s strengths, extend the visitor season, support our communities and ensure the county remains one of the UK’s most desirable places to visit, live and work.”

David Bailey said: “Dorset’s first Destination Management Plan provides a clear, shared framework for how we will work together to strengthen Dorset’s reputation, support local businesses, enhance the visitor experience and create sustainable growth over the next ten years. This plan belongs to the whole county, and its success will be built on collaboration between the public and private sectors, communities and tourism businesses.”