Greater Lincolnshire has a high-quality and varied visitor economy offered across city, coast and countryside. Up to 50 miles of coastline, an area of outstanding natural beauty, and hundreds of visitor attractions contribute.

Aimed at strengthening the quality of the visitor experience and the performance of businesses, the Greater Lincolnshire's Visitor Economy is currently estimated to be worth over £2.39bn per annum to the Greater Lincolnshire economy, supports at least 30,000 full time equivalent jobs (pre Covid-19 pandemic), and has long-term growth potential.  

Home to the Red Arrows, Lincoln Castle and Cathedral, and the Lincolnshire Wolds, as well as the vibrant coastal resorts of Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe and Skegness – the UK’s fourth most popular holiday resort – the area has a rich heritage, cultural and leisure offer.

Rolling countryside, a relaxed pace of life and low property prices make Greater Lincolnshire one of the most popular retirement destinations in the UK.

Rutland Water is established as a popular outdoor location, receiving 1.2 million visits per year. Set around the water there is 4,200 acres of open countryside park that offers everything from walking and cycling to fishing and watersports. There is also a fantastic nature reserve, managed by the Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust and home to the Rutland Osprey Project.

Recent investments are helping to raise the profile and quality of the visitor economy, including a £22m investment in Lincoln Castle which created a purpose built Magna Carta Vault and restored the medieval wall walks. This more than doubled the number of visitors to Lincoln Castle and strengthened its role as a major UK centre for short breaks. Other investments include the development of Lincoln Cathedral, improvements at the International Bomber Command Centre, which opened as part of the RAF 100 Centenary celebrations, and the North Sea Observatory which is the UK's only purpose built Marine Observatory. Butlins has also recently completed a £13m investment programme at its Skegness resort.  

Greater Lincolnshire holds a huge and rich potential for future opportunities including our unique aviation heritage and the Mayfair Pilgrims stories. 

The Tourism Sector and Town Deals have successfully granted six approved Tourism Zones with funding to set out a clear vision on raising wages, productivity and addressing seasonality within the sector.

HIGHLIGHTS & KEY PROJECTS

  • Visitor Economy Board unites the Greater Lincolnshire LEP visitor economy businesses with relevant organisations and the University.
  • Promote Lincolnshire is a platform used to champion our region, providing free-to-use marketing resources for those looking to engage with the county's progress.
  • Visit Lincolnshire website showcases engaging tourist information, driving visitor traffic to our area through booking options, day plans, promotional videos and hospitality updates.
  • Discover England is promoting a number of funds available for the tourism and hospitality sector as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.