Tourist revenue in Lincolnshire is at record levels with Lincoln-based historical landmarks optimistic for the future.
Yesterday’s report from Lincolnshire County Council showed the county’s tourist industry hit £1.58bn in revenue during 2018 for the first time, up seven per cent from 2017.
Additional investment into the Cathedral and the rail links connecting Lincoln with London is expected to increase interest in the attractions the city has to offer.
Tom Pickering, the leader of the visitor experience team at Lincoln Cathedral, said: “We’re expecting a lot more visitors coming into Lincoln anyway, especially with additional travel routes from London.
“We are definitely expecting a large increase in visitor numbers as we have a lot more to offer really.”
LNER upped the number of train services from Lincoln to London, which is going to advance access to Lincoln for tourists from around the country.
Councillor Colin Davie, executive member for economy and place for Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Looking ahead, the increasing number of direct trains between Lincoln and London will make it easier for overseas visitors to discover all our county has to offer.
“And with the extensive improvements at Lincoln Cathedral and the Mayflower 400 celebrations on the horizon, I’m confident our tourism economy will continue to thrive in the years to come.”
Lincolnshire was able to attract 21 million tourists in 2018, which is an increase of 2.5 per cent on the previous year, leading to the visitor economy being worth 62 per cent more than what it was 10 years ago.
Mr Pickering was also keen to highlight the impact the University of Lincoln has had on tourism in Lincoln. He said: “With the university growing at such a rate, there’ll be greater links to the outside world only giving Lincoln more exposure.”