Applications open for the new Telford and Shropshire Tourism Board

Telford and Shropshire is entering a defining new chapter in its evolution as a visitor destination, with applications now opening to join the Telford and Shropshire Tourism Board a senior public‑private leadership group established to unlock the full potential of the area’s visitor economy.

Following national Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) accreditation from VisitEngland, the Telford and Shropshire LVEP is now recognised among England’s most credible and ambitious destination partnerships. This accreditation reflects strong local leadership, robust governance and a shared belief in what the area can deliver economically, culturally and socially.

The Telford and Shropshire LVEP bring together Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council, Visit Telford and Visit Shropshire. The partnership is built on transparent governance that gives confidence to partners, investors and national bodies.

The launch of the Tourism Board marks the next step moving from potential to purposeful delivery, and from collaboration to confident, long‑term leadership.

The Tourism Board will sit at the heart of the Telford and Shropshire LVEP and will provide:

- Strategic direction and long‑term ambition for the destination

- Senior insight to guide investment, development and innovation

- A stronger national voice and advocacy for Telford and Shropshire

- Oversight of the unified Destination Master Plan, aligning priorities across both geographies

Mandy Thorn MBE DL, Chair of Telford and Shropshire LVEP Tourism Board said: “This is a defining moment for the Telford and Shropshire. LVEP accreditation is national recognition of the strength of our partnership and the confidence placed in our governance, leadership and ambition. The Tourism Board now provides a powerful platform to lead the next phase setting clear direction, championing our destination and ensuring that growth is sustainable, inclusive and rooted in the distinctiveness of our places. I am proud to chair the Telford and Shropshire Tourism Board at such a pivotal moment, a partnership built on collaboration, confidence and a shared ambition for the future of our County.”

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture and the Arts said: “Tourism is one of our greatest strengths, and what makes Telford extraordinary is the scale and diversity of what we offer from World Heritage Sites and treasured national landscapes to wildlife parks, heritage venues and major convention centres.
This Tourism Board brings leaders together across the public and private sectors to champion that full proposition and lead with the ambition our destination deserves.”

Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport & Economic Growth said: “Shropshire’s appeal is rooted in the quality and authenticity of our places. Tourism here is about sustaining communities and protecting what makes our county special. By working together, we can strengthen our visitor economy while safeguarding the long‑term wellbeing and identity of the places people come to experience.”

Applicants can find out more and apply online at telfordandshropshirelvep.co.uk.