Experience Bedfordshire the Tourism Partnership CIC

Tourism is an integral part of the economy for Bedfordshire across all three of its unitary authorities, Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire and Luton. The Visitor Economy across Luton and Bedfordshire in total supports in excess of 23,200 jobs. As a whole, the Visitor Economy of Bedfordshire represents an annual value of £312 million. The area boasts major employers such as Whipsnade Zoo, Woburn Abbey and Safari Park, Center Parcs village and Luton Airport; the latter of which is not only a major employer and a key transport gateway into the region, but which also attracts many hotels and related businesses to its vicinity.

Whilst major organisations form part of Bedfordshire’s Visitor Economy, the majority of the sector is dominated by smaller, independent organisations that add additional depth, quality and a rich vibrancy to the regions tourism appeal. The capacity to expand and offer growth and jobs to the local economy should not be underestimated; within such a large sector, a small % increase in job creation has a large impact on the growth of the local economy. The sector continues to also add to the ‘feel good factor’ of the region by the very nature of its presence and purpose; the outcomes of which have a huge impact to the overall feeling of a great place to live, work and visit.

EXPERIENCE BEDFORDSHIRE was established to support the drive forward for growth that hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism offers in the region.

EXPERIENCE BEDFORDSHIRE promotes and supports the development of the sector, helping to create greater economic prosperity, through sustainable growth and more local jobs for local people.

EXPERIENCE BEDFORDSHIRE aims to ensure, that in conjunction with relevant stakeholders from the private & public sectors, it is in a strong position to support and enhance the national expansion in tourism, whilst realising the potential of being one of six SEMLEP showcase sectors.

Our mission is to speak for both the visitor and the visitor economy, to ensure the importance of tourism within the wider local economy is understood. Working together with our Local Enterprise Partnership, the Local Authorities and Employers, we will look to integrate destination management into economic strategies so that it can support Bedfordshire’s wider ambitions around driving enterprise, growth and employment. Experience Bedfordshire aims to have a strong, shared vision with the local community about what they want their visitor economy to look like.

Experience Bedfordshire seeks to generate income to deliver a long term sustainable financial future, which will enable it to undertake and fulfil its business objectives.

Get involved and be involved – Experience Bedfordshire offers a range of membership opportunities, to suit a variety of business needs, for any organisations seeking to improve and develop its business, whilst supporting the growth of the Visitor Economy in Bedfordshire.

READ THE FULL STRATEGY HERE

Experience Board members

Woburn Safari Park
The Bedford Swan
SSG
Central Bedfordshire Council
Center Parcs
ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Shuttleworth
Luton Council
The Mall
Central Bedfordshire College