August 19, 2015 3.18 pm This story is over 103 months old

North Kesteven tourism on the rise with a £115m economic impact

NK tourism: More people than ever before are visiting the North Kesteven district, giving the local economy a much welcomed boost.

NK Social Strollers enjoying one of the North Kesteven countryside routes.

Tourists discovering the delights of the North Kesteven district spent more time and money in the area last year than ever before according to latest figures.

Around 2.23 million visitors (up 1.1% on 2013) totted up 2.71 million visitor days in the area, with their direct spend rising by 6.3% to £86.73 million.

Figures highlighted by North Kesteven District Council valued the impact on the local economy as £115.29 million (up 6.3%), supporting around 1,853 full-time equivalent jobs.

At an August peak there were 3,246 people employed in supporting the visitor economy, according to the figures published by an independent tourism research company.

The district council is continuing to support growth within the sector, and is flagging up the predicted impact of International Bomber Command Memorial Centre taking shape at Canwick Hill and its distinct offer of Aviation Heritage.

The Spire of Names is already towering over Lincoln.

The Spire of Names is already towering over Lincoln.

An increasing number of visitors are staying longer than a day and discovering the area’s attractions – which include historic houses, open countryside footpaths and cycleways, Roman relics, picturesque villages and arts and leisure facilities.

Council Leader Cllr Marion Brighton OBE, who has Executive Board oversight for the visitor economy in North Kesteven, said: “It is wonderful that we continue to record a year-on-year increase in the numbers of visitors to the district and the contribution they make to our local economy, supporting a rich and diverse cultural offering which benefits us all whether we are resident or visiting.

“Although we lack a castle, coast, cathedral or other major attraction we have so much to offer all ages and interest groups and I am sure as word spreads of the emerging International Bomber Command Memorial Centre and broader Aviation Heritage so unique to the district, people will find ever more reasons to Discover NK and spend time at the Heart of Lincolnshire”.