Tough time for area’s tourism businesses

That’s the message from bosses at one of the county’s major tourism organisations, Visit Lincoln.

The lockdown came as businesses in the county’s leisure and tourism sector were expecting to see an increase trade.

Recent figures indicate the value of the county’s visitor economy increased by seven per cent last year.

The county attracted around 21 million visitors – a 2.5 per cent rise on the previous year and 62 per cent more than 10 years ago.

However, those figures will slump this year, with many tourist-reliant businesses struggling to survive.

The list of businesses and attractions hit include Heckington Windmill, Woodland Waters camping and fishing site at Ancaster, Metheringham Airfield Visitor Centre, Sleaford Playhouse and Belton House.

Visit Lincoln works with private businesses to promote leisure and tourism in the county.

The organisation’s interim CEO, Charlotte Goy, said: “Tourism was the first and will no doubt be the hardest hit.

“This has been very challenging for our partners and we’re doing everything we can to see them through one of the most difficult times we have ever seen for travel and tourism.

“Business owners might be fire fighting right now but I’d urge them to think about the future and plan for their recovery.

“Lincolnshire has several attributes which should mean we’re well placed to capitalise when people start to go on holiday again when restrictions lift.

“I expect that people will be more drawn toward staying in the UK for their holidays in future.”

According to a survey, local businesses have not so far applied for the Business Interruption Loan Scheme, but 80 per cent have pursued grants for furloughing staff.

Businesses are reporting issues with managing cancellations and rebooking and say they will need marketing support in the long-term.