September 3, 2014 12.09 pm This story is over 114 months old

Lincoln visitor economy value increased to £168m

The value of tourism: The visitor economy in Lincoln grew by 10% between 2012 and 2013, making it worth £168 million.
(L-R) Andrea Green from Lincoln Cathedral, Paul Robinson from Lincoln Cathedral, Claire Thompson from the City of Lincoln Council, Mark Hollingworth, Chair of Visit Lincoln and Emma Tatlow, the Visit Lincoln Manager. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The visitor economy in Lincoln grew by 10% between 2012 and 2013, making it worth £168 million.

The information was collected using an independent tourism research company, and was commissioned by City of Lincoln Council.

Other significant investments in the city such as the DoubleTree by Hilton and Premier Inn, plus the growth of two universities and the retail and food industry, are being marked as contributors to the valuation.

The research also showed that the city’s visitor economy supports 2,380 jobs (FTEs)

Emma Tatlow, Partnership Manager of Visit Lincoln, said: “The visitor economy is a key sector for Lincoln and Lincolnshire. It drives growth locally as well as supporting employment.

“This latest research shows a huge leap in its value between 2012 and 2013 – peaking at £168 million, up from £152 million the previous year.

“In 2013, 3.7 million visitors came to Lincoln, an increase of 6% from 2012.

“All sectors saw positive growth, with the accommodation sector leading the way at 17%.

“This was closely followed by recreation, shopping, transport and the food and drink sectors, which all benefitted from around 10% growth.

“We are working hard on the marketing plans around the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta in 2015, plus the opening of the £22 million Lincolnshire County Council Lincoln Castle Revealed project in April.”

Councillor Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Economic Regeneration at City of Lincoln Council, said: “Tourism is essential to Lincoln’s economy so it’s fantastic news for the city that there has been such a substantial rise in visitor numbers and spend.

“The increase will help boost the local economy and support new jobs in the city.

“I’m sure we will see Lincoln’s visitor economy continue to go from strength to strength as we enter an exciting period of landmark events taking place in the city over the coming year.”