What Increased Tourist Numbers Mean for North East Lincolnshire
Image Name: North East Lincolnshire
At a recent council meeting, it was disclosed that tourism in the region has increased for the third year running, which is good news for North East Lincolnshire. Notwithstanding the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 epidemic, 8.7 million tourists visited the region in 2023. The local tourism industry has significantly recovered, even though this number is still below the pre-pandemic level of 10.3 million visitors in 2019. This is due to the steady increase.
With an estimated £697 million in economic contribution, tourism is vital to North East Lincolnshire. Popular attractions and events have played a major role in this economic boom; the most well-attended event is perhaps Cleethorpes’ annual Armed Forces Weekend. About 210,000 people came over the weekend, demonstrating its considerable appeal to both residents and visitors.
Not all tourism numbers, though, were as encouraging. In July and August 2023, there were 387,000 visits to the Cleethorpes promenade, a 27% decrease from the previous year. The North East Lincolnshire Council study stated that this reduction was ascribed to the exceptionally bad weather that occurred during these months.
Notwithstanding these weather-related delays, tourism is still growing overall. There are currently 6,473 tourism-related employment in the area, which is the most since 2019. The sector’s durability and relevance to the local economy are demonstrated by this increase in employment.
At the meeting, council members voiced their agreement with the generally optimistic forecast for tourism. A council member named Trevor Crofts proposed that in order to combat the negative stereotypes that are frequently propagated by “keyboard warriors,” the council should make these encouraging figures more generally known. Crofts stressed how critical it is to showcase the region’s accomplishments in order to cultivate a more favorable perception.
The Meridian Showground, a Cleethorpes venue managed by the municipality, was also highlighted in the study for its contribution to local tourism growth. The showground was rented out for a total of 87 days in 2023 and saw 19 events, an increase from 15 the year before. This showcased the venue’s expanding popularity and adaptability with seven new events, including Fireworks Fantasia and a dog agility competition.
Economic Effects and Upcoming Opportunities
The steady increase in visitors is unmistakably a sign of the tourism industry’s recovery in North East Lincolnshire. There are significant economic gains because tourism brings in around £700 million for the area. In addition to helping local companies, this tourist inflow creates a large number of job opportunities, which boosts the local economy even more.
The yearly Armed Forces Weekend in Cleethorpes is an excellent illustration of a well-attended event that attracts sizable audiences. The fact that 210,000 people attended the event highlights its significance as a major tourist attraction. These kinds of events are essential to preserving and boosting the area’s tourism attractiveness.
Even though there is a noticeable decline in promenade visitors in July and August, it’s crucial to acknowledge the influence of weather on travel. Bad weather has a big impact on the number of visitors, and the council’s report correctly points this out as a contributing issue. Notwithstanding this setback, the region continues to draw an increasing number of tourists annually, indicating that the overall trend is still positive.
One more benefit of the growing number of visitors is the rise in jobs in the tourist industry. The importance of the tourism industry to the local economy is demonstrated by the 6,473 new jobs that have been created since 2019. In addition to giving locals employment possibilities, these positions stimulate demand for goods and services, which benefits the larger economic environment.
Fostering Optimistic Views
A critical first step in influencing public opinion is Councillor Trevor Crofts’ appeal for the promotion of the region’s tourism industry’s good features. The council has the ability to counterbalance negative storylines and promote a more positive image of North East Lincolnshire by emphasizing the successes and economic benefits of tourism.
It’s also important to recognize the Meridian Showground’s function in drawing crowds and holding events. The venue’s growing relevance is evidenced by the fact that it hosted 19 events in 2023, up from 15 the year before. The variety of attractions offered to guests is increased with the addition of new events like Fireworks Fantasia and a dog agility competition.
The tourism industry in North East Lincolnshire has grown and persevered remarkably, with 8.7 million visitors in 2023. Even with persistent problems like weather-related declines in tourist numbers, the general trend is still encouraging. Six,473 employment and £697 million in economic contributions to the area are supported by tourism.
Tourism is greatly influenced by occasions like the yearly Armed Forces Weekend and the events held at the Meridian Showground. Promoting these achievements and encouraging data can aid in forming a more positive public opinion of the area.
The future is bright for North East Lincolnshire as it continues to recover and expand its tourism industry. The area is well-positioned to capitalize on its recent accomplishments and further increase its attractiveness as a tourist destination with strategic promotion and ongoing investment in attractions and events.
For more information, visit BBC’s comprehensive article