East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward hosted a visitor economy event at Newark’s National Civil War Centre as part of Visit East Midlands campaign

To help boost tourism across the region East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward hosted a visitor economy event in Newark.

The event, at Newark’s National Civil War Centre, supported by Visit Notts gathered businesses, local attractions, and cultural institutions from across the county to celebrate the East Midlands’ vibrant tourism sector.

Representatives from key regional attractions shared ideas on how the region can better promote the heritage, natural beauty, and cultural offerings.

Discussions focussed on driving sustainable growth, increasing visitor engagement, and collaborating to promote the region’s unique attractions, building momentum for the Visit East Midlands campaign launched earlier this year at Chatsworth House.

Speaking at the event, Claire Ward said: “Our visitor economy is a vital part of the East Midlands’ identity, contributing not only to our local economy but also to the preservation of our rich heritage and natural beauty.

“Today’s roundtable at the National Civil War Museum in Newark has been a fantastic opportunity for businesses and attractions to come together and explore new ways of working. The enthusiasm and commitment shown here today underscore the tremendous potential we have to attract even more visitors to our beautiful region.”

Megan Powell Vreeswijk, chief executive of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire said: “The visitor economy in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is worth £2.37bn annually to the local economy and it supports 22,478 jobs in the region with a total value of new roles in 2023 generating over 103 million of GVA uplift.

“Tourism plays a vital role in shaping the landscape of our region, builds positive reputation and enhances the quality of life for everyone who lives, works and studies here.

“By collaborating with the East Midlands Combined County Authority and putting the right frameworks in place, we can strengthen our competitive edge, unlock growth opportunities, and attract greater investment — ensuring that more local communities benefit from tourism and the wider visitor economy.”