Rutland and Greater Lincolnshire have achieved Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) accreditation, unlocking growth opportunities for the area's growing visitor economy.

Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns, supported the joint bid by raising Discover Rutland's plans for the county in a letter to the Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries, John Whittingdale MP. Alicia highlighted Rutland's growing and developing tourism offer, including the Rutland Sea Dragon, the Rutland Roman Villa and Mosaic, Global BirdFair and Rutland Water.

The bid, led by Destination Lincolnshire, was approved by a panel of experts at VisitEngland and visitor economy policymakers at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The LVEP programme is creating a portfolio of nationally supported, strategic and high-performing organisations which will provide local leadership and governance in tourism destinations all over the country.

LVEPs have been introduced as part of the Government's response to an independent review of how the nation's visitor economy is coordinated and promoted and have the potential to draw in additional support and funding from Westminster.

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said:

"We are very fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world, so I am delighted that Discover Rutland's plans to showcase our wonderful county have been successful.

"This accreditation will help strengthen our tourism offer, alongside the £2 million in Levelling Up funding for Rutland County Museum, putting us on the map as we deserve to be.

"From watersports and cycling at Rutland Water, to the Rutland Sea Dragon, Britain's largest ever ichthyosaur fossil, and the Rutland Roman Mosaic and Villa, there is no doubt that we live up to our motto, 'multum in parvo', or much in little!"

Andrew Stokes, Director at VisitEngland, said: "The Local Visitor Economy Partnerships (LVEP) programme is transforming the visitor economy landscape in England. LVEPs are supporting sector growth in a more inclusive, accessible and sustainable way and I am delighted to welcome Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland.

"Working together, LVEPs are simplifying our tourism landscape, ensuring England continues to be a compelling destination for both domestic and international visitors. As Greater Lincolnshire and Rutland his established as an LVEP, VisitEngland will provide ongoing support including a dedicated regional lead."

Jason Allen, Chair of Discover Rutland, said: "This is a very exciting development for the area and offers huge opportunities. Tourism has an economic impact of almost £150 million each year in Rutland, proving how vital the visitor economy is to the county, and we look forward to growing this with Destination Lincolnshire through the LVEP."