Authorities to take on tourism role after Destination Lincolnshire ceases trading
Council bosses say they will be developing a ‘robust tourism strategy after an organisation - which aimed to make Lincolnshire and Rutland a major visitor destination - has ceased trading.
New Greater Lincolnshire Mayor, Dame Andrea Jenkyns, has expressed her sorrow that Destination Lincolnshire has gone into liquidation and made its staff redundant - but has agreed for her authority to take on some of its role.
Lincolnshire County Council has also vowed to work with local businesses to create a modern tourism strategy.
Destination Lincolnshire was a ‘Local Visitor Economy Partnership’ which was due to help boost tourism in the county by providing leadership and governance. It is reported to have ceased trading following a period of sustained financial difficulty.
The organisation had created ‘destination plans’ for Greater Lincolnshire and received UK Shared Prosperity funding to produce one for South Holland - which is due to be discussed by authority later this year.
Ms Jenkyns said: "It’s important that the visitor economy sector has a local strategy and works with national organisations to support businesses and promote our area to tourists. As the LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) Destination Lincolnshire had previously fulfilled this role."
“I’m sorry to hear that Destination Lincolnshire has gone into liquidation, and particularly the impact on the staff involved. We at the new combined authority will work with councils to ensure that the good operational work can continue.
“I have agreed that the GLCCA can take on the role of LVEP to give a strategic oversight to this part of our economy and to keep our local needs on the national agenda.”
A statement issued by Destination Lincolnshire said it had ‘delivered meaningful contributions to the region’s tourism and visitor economy’ including gaining the LVEP status.
Samantha Harrison, head of economic development at Lincolnshire County Council, has assured tourism businesses that the Visit Lincolnshire website is safe.
She said: “We are very saddened to hear the news that Destination Lincolnshire has entered liquidation. Lincolnshire County Council worked closely with the team at Destination Lincolnshire on numerous projects over the years to help promote tourism across the county, and it is undoubtedly a huge loss.
“Be assured, the county council remains fully committed to supporting the sector. The website www.visitlincolnshire.com is secure, being owned, and run by Lincolnshire County Council. The Visit Lincolnshire website, and the accompanying tourism sector business support offer, has consistently seen strong engagement and growth since the pandemic, and we will continue to showcase the best of the county to visitors.
“No doubt in the coming weeks there will be much to sort out, but we will do everything we can to continue to support the tourism sector.”
“Going forward, the council will continue to collaborate with stakeholders, such as local businesses, Greater Lincolnshire Combined County Authority, and Visit England, to discuss and develop a modern and robust tourism strategy for Greater Lincolnshire.”
