The South West Visitor Economy Hub provides all organisations with real-time intelligence – from visitor arrivals, profile and perceptions, to expenditure, economic impact, and forward-looking data.
It’s already becoming a ‘must-have’ for all tourism businesses and organisations in Devon and Somerset, as well as investors and other interested parties.
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The SWVEH is free for businesses in Devon and Somerset working in or closely associated with the tourism sector, in return for contributing, securely and in confidence, a small amount of data each month. (Only you can see your data).
Alex Spalding leads on Business Engagement For the South West Visitor Economy Hub. Alex has more than 20 years’ experience in tourism running his own holiday business.
Alex’s role is to help businesses get set up for free on the South West Visitor Economy Hub and support and encourage tourism businesses to sign up and use the Hub and all the rich & varied data it contains.
You’ll find him at tourism events or online webinars, plus you can set up a 1:1 call and request a demo of the Hub.
The South West Visitor Economy Hub began as an application to the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (HotSWLEP) for funding from an Innovation and Digital Technology grant.
The initial aims of the proposed ‘Tourism Data Hub’ were to provide Destination Management Organisations (DMOs) and wider tourism and hospitality businesses with consistent, robust and valuable data insights into consumer and business behaviours, enabling more efficient market targeting and product development to drive recovery in a post-COVID world.
The main objectives included giving businesses access to real-time data on indicators such as visitor arrivals, visitor demographics, hotel and transport utilisation. It also aims to help businesses spot the gap between actual performance and market potential, allowing them to make informed decisions.
The South West Visitor Economy Hub is funded by the former Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership as part of the Government’s Local Growth Fund and led by Destination Plymouth and some of the region’s key tourism partners
Alistair Handyside – PASC UK
Amanda Lumley – Destination Plymouth
Carolyn Custerton – English Riviera BID
Claire Toze – Visit Exeter
Dominie Dunbrook – North Devon Council
Elizabeth Devonport – Torbay Council
Emma Thomasson – Visit Exmoor
Geri Panteva – East Devon Tourism Network
Giles Adams – Visit Somerset
Jamie Evans – Devon County Council
Jo Butler – Visit South Devon
John Turner – Visit Somerset
Nicki Maclean – Somerset Council
Sally Everton – Visit Devon
Sarah Jordan – North Devon Unesco Biosphere
Vince Flower – Devon and Partners LVEP
T-Stats Solutions Limited, experts in tourism statistics, designed and manage this data platform.
Initially commissioned to conduct the Feasibility Study, their consultants engaged extensively with a wide range of regional stakeholders – including DMOs, BIDs, Chambers of Commerce, tourism businesses, and councils – to ensure the concept was both achievable and financially sustainable.
Built upon their proven T-Stats Solutions data tracking software, T-Stats continues to work closely with the Steering Group and the wider community.
They are responsible for the ongoing management of the system for Devon and Somerset, providing expert support, training, and onboarding to maximise the quality and quantity of data for all users.
Kevin Millington, Director
Jess Watkins, Director
See how businesses are using the South West Visitor Economy Hub to make smarter decisions, optimise marketing spend, and enhance visitor experiences. From accommodation providers and attractions to destination managers, these testimonials show the real impact and value of data-driven insights.
