August 12, 2015 4.05 pm This story is over 111 months old

Flourishing visitor economy supports more than 2,400 jobs in Lincoln

Continued growth: Lincoln’s visitor economy grew by 5% in a single year, according to new figures.

Lincoln’s visitor economy grew by 5% in a single year, according to new figures.

A study commissioned by City of Lincoln Council for 2013-2014 revealed that tourism contributed £176 million to the overall economy, supporting over 2,000 jobs.

The largest area of growth was visitors staying in paid accommodation, with the numbers of day visitors and those staying with friends and family also rising.

Emma Tatlow, manager of Visit Lincoln, said: “It is encouraging that we continue to see year on year growth – and we anticipate that with the Magna Carta 800th anniversary, investment in Lincoln Castle, the stunning events the city has played host to this year that we will see even more growth in 2015.

“A vibrant visitor economy supports so many businesses throughout the city and the wider supply chain.

“Accommodation businesses have seen growth of 7.6%, but the restaurants, retail and transport sectors also see a benefit from an increase in the number of visitors to the area.

“The research also showed that the city’s visitor economy supports 2,410 jobs (FTEs).”

Growth the city experienced during this period was on a par with the National Tourism Target of 5%.

Councillor Neil Murray, Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy and Economic Regeneration at City of Lincoln Council, added: “These figures are great news for the city and demonstrate the importance of tourism to boosting the local economy.

“One of the city council’s main priorities is to grow the local economy and we continue to do whatever we can to support growth, which helps to create jobs and has a knock-on, positive effect across the whole city.

“The fact that the visitor economy is continuing to grow year on year is testament to the hard work being carried out by several organisations to raise Lincoln’s profile.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors to this year’s Christmas market and we’re confident the visitor economy will grow again next year following all the exciting events we’ve seen in 2015.”