Visit Herts has launched the next phase of its Destination Management Service, building on a decade of experience supporting Hertfordshire’s attractions, destinations, and hospitality businesses.

The refreshed threeyear service will sharpen Hertfordshire’s offer through distinct tourism propositions and provide more inclusive coverage across districts and target audiences.

Previously managed by GoToPlaces, Visit Herts will now be funded and delivered inhouse by Hertfordshire Futures - supported by a dedicated, fulltime Service Manager, and working closely with a consortium of local stakeholders. This new approach will ensure attractions, hospitality operators, and partners benefit from a joined up, locally led service that responds directly to the county’s needs.

Martha Lytton Cobbold, Co-Chair of the Visit Herts Advisory Board, said: “Hertfordshire is home to so many wonderful assets and attractions that should be a source of real pride for our residents and businesses. Visit Herts has an essential leadership role in championing, coordinating, and unlocking opportunities across the county.”

Since its launch in 2015, Visit Herts has played a central role in promoting Hertfordshire as a great place to live in, and to visit. Over the past decade, the visitor economy has evolved significantly - shaped by changes on the high street, post-Covid recovery, and the rise of domestic and screen tourism. Major new attractions, including the nearby Universal Studios development, present further opportunities for growth.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of Hertfordshire Futures, said: “Hertfordshire’s visitor economy generates more than £2 billion GVA each year and supports over 40,000 jobs, with strong potential to expand further. Our new Economic Strategy highlights the importance of pride in place and how we will build on the assets that strengthen our visitor offer – with Visit Herts playing a key role in promoting the county’s attractions, attracting investment, and helping to realise the sector’s full potential.”

The updated service will:

• Curate and maintain inspiring, seasonal online content to boost tourism and encourage resident advocacy
• Support tourism businesses by signposting to training, development, and funding opportunities
• Work closely with district partners to develop tailored place-based strategies and propositions
• Relaunch and lead the Hoteliers Forum to support business tourism, strengthen Hertfordshire’s presence at national and international industry events, and gather insights into sector challenges
• Support the development of skills and employment pathways linked to the visitor economy

Now delivered locally, and with stronger ties to Hertfordshire’s business support ecosystem, the new service will give visitor attractions, hospitality operators, and partners a joined up, in-county offer that is responsive, strategic, and better aligned with local priorities.

Get in touch

For more information and opportunities to collaborate, please contact Daria Godding: daria.godding@hertfordshirefutures.co.uk