June 8, 2017 9.03 am This story is over 81 months old

Bomber County Lincolnshire wins national Innovation in Tourism Award

Lincolnshire has won a national Innovation in Tourism Award 2017 after museums, charities, councils and Visit Lincoln joined forces to use aviation heritage to promote the county. The group, which includes Petwood Hotel, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, International Bomber Command Centre, Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire, South Kesteven District Council and Visit Lincoln accepted…
(L-R) Clare Williams, Visit Lincoln, Debbie Nicholls, South Kesteven District Council, Phil Bonner, Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire, Emma Brealey, Petwood Hotel, Nicky Barr, International Bomber Command Centre

Lincolnshire has won a national Innovation in Tourism Award 2017 after museums, charities, councils and Visit Lincoln joined forces to use aviation heritage to promote the county.

The group, which includes Petwood Hotel, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Visitor Centre, International Bomber Command Centre, Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire, South Kesteven District Council and Visit Lincoln accepted the award in London at a black tie dinner hosted by Group Travel Organiser (GTO) Magazine.

The award was just one of five presented by the editorial team of the magazine and saw Lincolnshire nominated alongside Eurostar, P&O Cruises, Virgin Atlantic and other giants in the travel industry.

Clare Williams, business development manager at Visit Lincoln who helped coordinate the project said: “We’re absolutely delighted.

“Winning proves that Lincolnshire is among the top destinations in the UK.

“Our aviation offer didn’t just capture the attention of the judges, but also the interest of group travel operators who can bring coach tours and visitors to Lincolnshire next year, as we celebrate the centenary of the RAF.”

Val Baynton, editor of Group Travel Organiser Magazine said: “The Aviation Heritage Lincolnshire project has become an inspired experience with themed trails linking museums, visitor centres and events revealing the county’s unique aviation history.

“Already the group is coordinating bespoke and inspirational itineraries to group organisers, and they have made a bid to the Discover England fund to further promote Lincolnshire.”