Tourism board set up to help bring visitors into Shropshire

The board will guide the visitor economy in Telford and Shropshire through the Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) as part of the VisitEngland-accredited scheme.

It brings together 10 industry leaders from sectors including heritage, culture, hospitality, events, and retail.

Their aim is to deliver the Destination Master Plan, strengthen the region’s national presence, and unlock new opportunities in tourism.

Mandy Thorn, chair of the Telford and Shropshire Tourism Board, said: "We’ve brought together a leadership board with the reach, experience and energy to make a real difference.

"Our job now is simple: back great businesses, champion our places, and deliver the Destination Master Plan with pace and purpose."

The board has been established through collaboration between Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council, Visit Shropshire, and Visit Telford.

Councillor Angela McClements, co-vice chair of the board and Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "This leadership tourism board reflects the scale and richness of our visitor economy, and the pride people feel in this place.

"By working in true partnership, we can welcome more people, create opportunity and ensure the benefits of tourism are felt in towns, villages and neighbourhoods across Telford and Shropshire."

Andrew Stokes, England director at VisitEngland, said: "Telford and Shropshire is a destination of real national significance, with a compelling mix of heritage, landscapes and culture.

"This Tourism Leadership Board is a strong step forward: bringing partners together around one plan, one voice and a clear route to delivery."

Ahead of the board’s first formal meeting, members met at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings.