A SHOWCASE of what makes Louth Britain's Favourite Market Town has been included in a new tourist guide.
The leaflet, produced by Louth Town Partnership, is a first for Louth, as it is solely aimed at encouraging visitors to the town, highlighting many popular tourist destinations.
It has been launched by the partnership to coincide with English Tourism Week which runs until Sunday.
People wanting to pick up a copy of the leaflet can visit a special tourism market stall tomorrow.
The guide will be available in many tourist information centres in the East Midlands and will be taken to a county leaflet swap. The partnership is also planning to meet with a group of 70 tour operators to encourage more coach trips to the area.
Louth's Mayor and Partnership board member Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders said: "It is time we started really shouting about what makes Louth Britain's Favourite Market town.
"We know that Louth is a lovely tourist destination, with plenty to do for the whole family, so our task now is to make sure others do, too.
"Louth has it all – a vibrant three-day market, award-winning food, a state-of-the-art leisure centre, places for picturesque walks... the list goes on.
"We are set for a great year ahead with the Zero Degrees Festival starting on June 21, with Party in the Pews, and finishing on July 14 with the food festival and a whole host of events in between.
"The main objective of the partnership is to encourage footfall into the town, which is achieved through Louth's big event days.
"It is hoped that this guide will mark Louth as a great all-year-round holiday destination."
ON THE WEB: Where do you enjoy visiting in Lincolnshire? Have your say about what you like to do and share your hidden gems with others by visiting www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk and post using the comment facility on the bottom of this article.
EDITOR'S COMMENT: Has Louth got it right? We read again today how it is one of Britain's top market towns – and that begs the question as to why that is the case? The powers that be have been adamant, so far, in their determination to say no to the largest supermarket chain in the land. Whether that will stay the same remains to be seen. However has that decision enabled the town to keep its true heart? Yes, it does have two smaller supermarkets, but they are very much within the town centre boundary, which encourages shoppers to combine both retail experiences. There is always a balance to be struck between maintaining a traditional town centre and allowing the convenience and competitiveness of the supermarkets. Ultimately the consumer will dictate. Louth may have the economy and residential wealth to support the diverse range of local shops that it has. And it has certainly built up a reputation for day trippers from further afield who will enjoy a wander around the more traditional and local offering. *Do you shop out of town? Comment on this story at www.thisisgrimsby.co.ukFollow the editor on Twitter @michellelalor