2015 was best ever year for tourism in Leicestershire
Leicester City's Premier League success and the ongoing 'Richard III effect' made 2015 the best year ever for tourism in Leicestershire.
According to figures from Leicester Shire Promotions, visitors to the county injected nearly £1.7 billion into the local economy last year - a 6.6 per cent increase on £1.571 billion in 2014.
The report also said more than 1,800 new jobs had been created thanks to the county's growing attraction to tourists since 2012, when the king's remains were found under the Grey Friars car park in the city centre by University archaeologists.
In March 2015 the coffin bearing the remains of King Richard III left the University and were later reinterred at Leicester Cathedral following a procession through the county.
Leicester City's amazing journey to champions began when they climbed to the top of the league early in the 2015/16 season. It is hoped the Premier League success of 2016 will mean the next batch of tourism figures are even more positive.
- Leicester Mercury article
- The Dig for Richard III was led by the University of Leicester, working with Leicester City Council and in association with the Richard III Society. The originator of the Search project was Philippa Langley of the Richard III Society.