Westminster Life: Tourism with teeth in Peterborough

This year’s theme “Local Stories, National Growth”, could have been written for a city like ours, where our history, culture and green spaces are finally starting to get the recognition they deserve.

Over the last year I have been proud to work alongside others to promote our city, including helping to set up the new independent Peterborough Tourist Board. Operating under the strapline “More than you imagine…”, the Board brings together attractions, arts and heritage groups, hospitality venues and local media to promote Peterborough with one clear story. It’s a great organisation and is part of a wider strategy to grow tourism in a way that benefits local people as well as visitors. Too often Westminster has seen Peterborough as a place that does not work together; the new Board shows we are changing that perception, and this collaboration sits at the heart of our City of Culture bid.

This spring, these efforts will come to life in a big way. Prehistoric Peterborough is coming, with Peterborough Cathedral hosting the Natural History Museum’s spectacular Titanosaur. This 37‑metre‑long, eight‑metre‑high giant is one of the largest dinosaurs ever discovered and will be one of the most ambitious exhibitions the cathedral has staged. Alongside this, families will be able to enjoy Dinosaurs Live at the Cresset, a dinosaur trail through the city centre, incredible archaeology at Flag Fen and the Jurassic Gallery at Peterborough Museum. None of this happens by accident; it comes from our tourist board partners, cultural organisations and local businesses choosing to work together to put Peterborough on the map.

And that is just the start. It is the 90th anniversary of Peterborough Lido this year, with the new season due to open on 28th March. This art deco beauty is a jewel in the city, and we need to celebrate it more. What’s more, over at Peterborough Museum the Diesel Streets street‑art exhibition has already welcomed more than 7,000 visitors, following on from a record‑breaking Doctor Who exhibition last year. Together, these events show the breadth of what our city has to offer.

Tourism is not just about days out; it is a serious part of our economy and a source of pride in the places we call home. It supports jobs in hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions, and brings new money into our city at a time when every pound counts.

When people choose to visit Peterborough, to explore our cathedral, museum, parks or festivals, it sends a powerful message that our city is on the up and worth investing in. In Parliament I will keep backing investment in our station, city centre and cultural offer because good transport links, safe streets and vibrant public spaces are all part of a successful visitor economy.

So as English Tourism Week gets underway, my message is simple: let’s tell our story with confidence. Whether you are planning a family trip to see the titanosaur, visiting a local park, or supporting one of our independent cafés and venues, you are part of that story.