South West Celebrates World Tourism Day With Revolutionary, First-of-its-kind Data Hub

The South West marked World Tourism Day (September 27) with the launch of an innovative initiative to help boost Devon and Somerset’s tourism industry.

The South West Visitor Economy Hub is a new online tool for the sector, gathering and analysing data from various sources, including accommodation providers and attractions, transport networks, parking providers, the weather, and other data providers to help measure occupancy, revenue, footfall and perceptions, faster than ever before.

By providing tourism businesses, Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), councils, and the wider business community with consistent, robust and valuable data insights into consumer and business behaviours, the sector will be able to monitor data on a regular basis to identify future trends and react accordingly.

This will improve recovery from COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis through more efficient targeting of marketing and product development activity, ultimately boosting the area’s important tourism sector and wider visitor business economy. 

Created specifically for the industry, the Visitor Economy Hub is the first product of its kind and was developed by T-Stats Solutions Limited which has over 20 years experience in working closely with destination management organisations (DMOs), councils, and business improvement districts across the UK to deliver online, real-time systems enabling users to track the local visitor economy.

The project, procured and led by Destination Plymouth working with a number of key partners*, is funded by the former Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSWLEP) through the government’s Local Growth Fund..

Richard Stevens, Chair of Destination Plymouth and former HotSWLEP Board Director, said: “It’s so exciting to see the SW Data Hub now ‘live’ and leading the way nationally after two years of working closely with our partners from across Devon and Somerset. 

“We are grateful to the former Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership Board for listening to our requests to be able to provide data on the visitor economy across the region that is accurate, real-time and can provide valuable insights for our local businesses, local authorities and tourism partnerships generally to drive growth and efficiencies in how they operate. The formal launch of the SW Data hub today marks a true milestone in how we can access information easily and dynamically, and really use it to grow the sector in Devon and Somerset.

 “It will help everyone involved make better decisions about marketing, planning, policymaking, and investing for the future – and enhance the reputation of Plymouth and the Southwest as a highly desirable destination not only to visit, but as a superb place to live, work and study.”

Vince Flower Chair of Devon Local Visitor Economy Partnership and former HotSWLEP Board Director added: “This revolutionary new tool is a fantastic new resource, providing a sustainable comprehensive data and research programme to support tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses, and to help drive productivity across the Heart ofthe South West LEP region of Devon, Somerset, Plymouth and Torbay. 

“We would encourage all businesses in these sectors to sign up. They’ll gain insights into critical aspects of the business and get a current, accurate picture of the tourism landscape which all helps to improve their own economic situation.”

For further information on accessing and using the South West Visitor Economy Hub please visit: https://swvehub.co.uk/