CONTINUING growth in Lincolnshire's coastal resorts is having a beneficial effect across the whole county, it is reported.

A research report into coastal tourism produced by a team at Sheffield Hallam University has revealed seaside tourism directly supports more than 20,000 jobs in Lincolnshire.

The industry itself adds £300 million a year to the regional economy, the report showed.

The report, The Seaside Tourist Industry in England and Wales, argues against the idea that an increase in the numbers of foreign holidays has negatively impacted on the economy of local seaside towns.

According to the report, the British seaside tourism industry employs as many people as the whole of the telecommunications sector – and more than the motor industry, the aerospace industry, pharmaceuticals or steel.

Emma Tatlow, deputy chief executive at Visit Lincolnshire, said: "This latest report is very encouraging for the tourism industry as a whole, and highlights the potential for significant future growth.

"Although the report focuses on coastal tourism, its findings will benefit the entire visitor economy of Lincolnshire.

"Visitors have to travel through the county to reach the coast, and often combine visits to Lincoln and other places around the county as part of their stay. In fact, 58 per cent of visitors to the city travel east to see our wonderful coast.

"As a result, if the coastal tourism industry has the potential to grow in the future, it will have a positive knock-on effect for the county which will feed the wider visitor economy.

"The Lincolnshire coast is a great asset to us, and indeed to the East Midlands.

"Not many other destinations can compete with Lincolnshire's offer that includes blue flag beaches, historic uphill Lincoln and the gothic cathedral, volumes of culture, history and heritage, leisure activities, aviation, and food and drink – to mention a few.

"The findings of the report highlight the importance of Visit Lincolnshire's long-term role in championing the visitor economy within the county."

Tourism chiefs in East Lindsey responded positively to the national tourism study, with the report identifying Skegness as a principal seaside town, with Visit Britain statistics showing last year it was the fifth most visited place in the whole of England.

Councillor Doreen Stephenson, leader of East Lindsey District Council, said: "In Lincolnshire, tourism is worth around £950 million to the economy, with a significant amount of this being coastal tourism.

"The report highlights the importance of why we, as a council, are already investing in and encouraging investment from the private sector in tourism in East Lindsey.

"I am determined that, working with our partners, we will extend the holiday season here on the East Coast and improve the offer to ensure we remain at the forefront of the British seaside holiday market for many years to come."