South London calls for investment in its world-class experience economy

A bold ambition to become the capital’s go-to destination for inclusive, sustainable growth was the focus of the Destination South London summit this week, attended by senior leaders from across business, local government and London’s visitor economy.

Speaking at the event, Councillor Gareth Roberts, Chair of the South London Partnership and Leader of Richmond Council, said: “South London is home to some of the UK’s most recognisable destinations – but we’re also a £38 billion economy with world-class potential for innovation, creativity and enterprise. 

"Today’s summit shows the scale of ambition across our boroughs and businesses to grow the region’s experience economy in a way that’s sustainable, inclusive and distinctly South London."

Councillor Roberts added: "We now need government and private sector partners to match that ambition – investing in our people, our infrastructure and the future of our visitor economy. With the right support, South London can lead the way in delivering polycentric growth that benefits the whole of London."

Hosted at Chessington World of Adventures Resort in Kingston, the event brought together more than 150 leaders from across South London’s thriving sport, culture, heritage, and hospitality sectors. It explored how the sub-region can bolster its economy and strengthen its world-class visitor and experience offer – from the All England Club Championships in Wimbledon and Twickenham Stadium, to Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace.

The summit follows the launch earlier this year of BIG Ambition: South London Growth, the SLP’s blueprint for how the boroughs of Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton will drive inclusive, locally led growth aligned with the Mayor of London’s Growth Plan.

Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, said: "The Destination South London summit event is a powerful example of how working in partnership across boroughs, sectors, and communities can help realise the Mayor’s London Growth Plan and strengthen London’s world-class experience and visitor economy. South London is home to world-class destinations, thriving businesses and exceptional creative talent, and by continuing to work together across the capital, we can unlock opportunity, drive sustainable growth and build a fairer, more prosperous London for everyone."

Councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of Kingston Council, added: "We were delighted to host the Destination South London summit in our borough, especially during our major cultural celebration – Kingston 2025. It was a fantastic opportunity to bring together South London’s leading experience and visitor economy businesses and stakeholders to explore how we can further develop this market area in our sub region. Together we were able to work on developing and curating a shared vision that enhances our regional assets and stimulates the local economy."

Laura Citron OBE, CEO of London & Partners (London’s growth agency) and mission lead for the London Growth Plan, said: "The experience economy is a vital part of London’s growth plan for the next ten years: with a recent reported £10 billion investment in this booming sector, and much more to come beyond this. Across the UK, the experience economy adds over £130 billion to the wider economy and London has the opportunity to create new, internationally significant visitor destinations in addition to its thriving city centre. South London is brimming with culture, major events and world-class attractions, with potential for impressive growth. We’re really excited to be supporting this growth in key clusters, from Kingston to Croydon."

As event host, Howard Ebison, Vice President Chessington World of Adventures Resort, added: "Chessington World of Adventures Resort is proud to be London's only theme park, and we are pleased to host this important summit which highlights the importance of the experience and visitor economy in South London. This vision aligns with the London Growth Plan’s identification that Chessington is a “potential future internationally significant visitor destination”, which Merlin’s supports. The sub-region has significant potential to be recognised for its visitor offer, and a collaborative approach for enhancing our profile and attracting visitors, not only supports businesses within the hospitality sectors but also stimulates growth across Kingston’s wider economy generating vital employment opportunities for the Borough’s local residents."

The Destination South London summit marks the next step in the region’s long-term ambition to grow its key economic clusters – including the experience and visitor economy, health and life sciences, creative and digital, and net zero and nature – driving forward sustainable and inclusive growth across the sub-region.