Agenda item

(A report by Mary Powell which explains the outcomes of a report into demand and potential supply of new hotels in Greater Lincolnshire)

The Committee received a report in connection with the outcomes of a report on demand and potential supply of new hotels in Greater Lincolnshire. The report explained that hotel developers wanted to achieve a significant commercial return and that the Council's role should be to build a strong relationship with potential developers while continuing to promote the growth of the tourism sector so that developers were confident in investing in the county.

Officers stated that there was a need to promote Lincolnshire for twelve months of the year, the need to invest in quality visitor attractions, the need to provide market evidence to show investors when they visited the county and that an electronic brochure was being produced to show the opportunities in the hotel and accommodation sector.

Comments by the Committee and the responses by officers, where appropriate, included:-

·         Hotel investors were interested in refurbishing and converting old Coaching Inns into hotels.

·         There was a shortage of hotel accommodation in Holbeach and Long Sutton areas. Was there an opportunity for District Councils to be more involved in identifying land for hotels? Officers stated that District Council Tourism Officers had been involved in the research and that there was an opportunity for the fact file from the report to be disseminated to a wider audience across District Councils.

·         Tim Downing stated that he, like other developers, continued to examine the prospects for hotel development across the county including places like Holbeach and supported the use of older buildings for hotels.

·         It was noted that the Council was in the process of divesting itself of property in Boston due to rationalisation and cost savings. With suitable encouragement these buildings could be converted to hotels.

·         There was a need to encourage local developers to attract visitors from the USA. Officers supported more local development but added that there was a desperate shortage of branded hotels in Lincolnshire which were attractive to both UK and foreign visitors.

·         Had any research been done to find out why people did not come to Lincolnshire? Officers stated that for the first time research had been commissioned into why those who had never visited the county did not come to Lincolnshire and that this had provided some fascinating and helpful insights.

·         Was there any information available on the website about Bed and Breakfast accommodation? Officers stated that this information was available on the website.

·         The report was generic and was it possible to provide specific information on different areas of Lincolnshire, e.g. the coast? Officers stated that information on specific areas was available but some of the information was commercially sensitive.

·         120 properties for accommodation had been booked. for the Wolds Walking Festival.

·         Many people booked their own accommodation independently to meet their own requirements.

The Executive Councillor for Economy and Place referred to the development of the Lincolnshire Coastal Country Park and the need to examine how businesses could be involved in the future development of the Park.

The Executive Councillor for Economy and Place stated that visitors to Lincolnshire had certain requirements and that it was important that Lincolnshire met the needs. He agreed that there were challenges on the coast and that these needed to be planned for.

RESOLVED

(a) That the comments made by the Committee on the commercial realities of hotel development in areas like Greater Lincolnshire be noted.

(b) That the actions proposed to promote hotel investment detailed in the report be endorsed.