Nottinghamshire holidaymakers have been flocking to Skegness in droves helping the seaside town to enjoy a bumper summer season. One hotelier said it had been "manic" as people made the most of the heatwave at the coast.
Julieanne Bunce, owner of the North Parade Hotel, said: "It was horrendous (during Covid) because like everyone else we had to close. It's been absolutely manic since then. It's nice to see regular faces again. We get a lot who come back. We've had a really good summer."
The 20-bed seafront hotel has been full all summer long with families and couples and there's still no vacancies this weekend. However, Mrs Bunce does wonder that lies ahead due to the cost of living crisis.
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"We'll have to wait and see what happens over the winter. I think the winter will be the teller - that's when we'll notice the difference. In the summer people come regardless but I think October to February we may notice a big difference then to be honest. We usually still fill weekends and get people in the week but I don't know what this winter will be like. I think it will just be watch and see. I really don't know."
One of the town's most popular tourist attractions hasn't noticed any shortfall this year. Natureland, the animal sanctuary and seal rescue, attracts an average 90,000 visitors every year.
Director Matt Yeadon said: "We'd seen normal numbers, maybe a bit up on a normal year. Taking into account the cost of living and travel conundrums a lot of staycations are still happening. Normal was what we were aiming for so a bit up on normal is a nice bonus.
"We haven't seen too much caution in terms of spending. The gift shop has done quite well this year so they're certainly enjoying spending there. It's essential for us as we have the rescue work we need to fund so every penny counts."
Fantasy Island and Skegness Pier, both run by the Mellors Group, also reported a really good year. A spokesperson said: "The warm weather has definitely helped and coming off of Covid people are still keen to travel in England, even though they can go abroad now. It's been super busy. It's great for business.
"I think people are maybe saving up for a holiday - they look forward to it so when they come they know it's their treat. It's been great for all the local businesses and small businesses, I think they're definitely seeing benefits from it."
A spokesperson for East Lindsey District Council said: "A report by Huq Industries (which uses geographic and strategically selected mobile apps such as National Rail) shows that so far this year, we are seeing footfall levels in Skegness exceed pre pandemic levels on average, with just a dip in April.
"Similarly in Ingoldmells, there has been an increase above pre pandemic levels of footfall from February to April, with another peak in July to date. A significant proportion of Skegness tourism comes from Nottinghamshire as well as the Midlands.
"East Lindsey District Council is committed to tourism and to keep the visitor offer fresh and attractive for holidaymakers/day visitors. In the last few weeks, planning permission has been granted for one of the first Culture Houses in the country at the Embassy Theatre, thanks to Town Deal funding through the Connected Coast board.
"Other Town Deal projects in the pipeline include Skegness Foreshore which will make use of the existing structures around the boating lake to create an outdoor events arena for activities such as concerts, light festivals, and outdoor cinema along with improvements to local facilities. At the heart of this project is the aim of expanding and providing more opportunities for visitors to the Foreshore, with cultural, heritage, arts, sports and leisure facilities and activities all set to be on offer."
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