Council hopes focus on 'dog tourism' will help boost Cleethorpes visitor numbers

The more dogs, the merrier - council keen to encourage canine tourism

WILL promoting dog tourism bring more holiday visitors to Cleethorpes and other parts of North East Lincolnshire?

That's the aspiration of the local council as outlined in its current tourism guide which is available both in print form and online https://www.discovernortheastlincolnshire.co.uk 

It reads: "Holidays and days out should include all members of the family, especially those four-legged ones, and North East Lincolnshire is a great place to spend some quality time.

"Rest your weary paws at one of our many dog-friendly places to stay.

"From quality hotels, which go the extra mile for you and your pooch, to boutique bed-and-breakfast accommodation, coastal cottages, caravans and camp sites, you'll be be sure to find something to suit your budget and needs.

"Whether it is exploring our beautiful beaches in Cleethorpes or walking in our parks and woodlands, you are sure to find the perfect route for walkies that please both you and your pooch.

"If your pooch loves the beach, you will be glad to hear they are most welcome on our beaches throughout the year.

"There are restrictions in place during the key tourism season, but not everywhere.

"Your lovable hound can still feel the sand between his toes on our south end beaches from Cleethorpes Leisure Centre towards Humberston  Fitties all year round."

But, as an afterthought,  the article concludes: "If you are unsure of your dog's recall abilities, please keep them on a lead, especially near bird-nesting areas."

'Your lovable hound can still feel the sand between his toes'

Taking dog walkies across the RSPB bird reserve adjacent to Humberston Fitties 

The Grimsby News says: Dogs enrich the lives of many people who often treat them as part of the family. For single people, they provide company and help to combat loneliness. Trouble is there are also folk who are either fearful of dogs or dislike them for other reasons - for instance, their less than hygienic activities in public places. What is more, dog-owners all too frequently fall out among themselves - especially when a big animal attacks and mauls a smaller counterpart. There is also another concern. The whole stretch of Cleethorpes beach is a site of special scientific interest. It is of global importance, particularly between July and March, for migrating, feeding and roosting shorebirds, many of them species, such as curlew, which are in serious decline. Perhaps, the tourism team should adopt a less gung-ho approach to canine tourism and show a little more awareness both of the natural environment and of those less enthusiastic about an increasing dog population whether the 'lovable pooches' be residents or visitors.