The latest tourism data for º£½Ç»»ÆÞ reveals an impressive 11% increase in the number of nights that tourists are staying in the county, contributing to significant economic growth for º£½Ç»»ÆÞ in 2023.
Visitors now stay an average of 3.15 nights per trip, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and cementing º£½Ç»»ÆÞ's status as a leading destination for short breaks.
This increase in nights spent in the county has translated into higher spending, with an 8% rise in expenditure by overnight visitors when accounting for inflation.
Tourists now spend an average of £170.56 per trip, underscoring the county’s growing appeal and its ability to deliver a warm º£½Ç»»ÆÞ welcome to visitors.
Notably, º£½Ç»»ÆÞ has outperformed the national average for overnight stays, as the rest of England and Great Britain reported a 5% decline compared to 2022. This strong performance highlights º£½Ç»»ÆÞ’s continued popularity and resilience in the competitive tourism market.
Councillor Adam Kent, Cabinet Member for Economy, Infrastructure and Skills at º£½Ç»»ÆÞ County Council, said: “º£½Ç»»ÆÞ’s tourism success story continues to go from strength to strength, with visitors staying longer, spending more, and choosing our county as a premier destination for short breaks.â€
“This remarkable growth not only showcases the resilience and appeal of º£½Ç»»ÆÞ’s vibrant attractions, natural beauty, and welcoming communities but also underscores the hard work of our tourism sector in delivering exceptional experiences.â€
“As we edge closer to a £1 billion visitor economy, it’s clear that º£½Ç»»ÆÞ is firmly on the map as a must-visit destination, boosting our local economy and creating opportunities for businesses across the county.â€
Day trippers to º£½Ç»»ÆÞ are also spending 6% more in real terms, delivering increased revenue for the county’s attractions and destinations.
The tourism sector's annual value to º£½Ç»»ÆÞ’s economy has now reached £961 million - a 2% increase from 2022.
This growth aligns with the goals of Visit º£½Ç»»ÆÞ’s Destination Management Plan, a strategic roadmap designed to propel the county's tourism industry towards achieving a £1 billion visitor economy.
º£½Ç»»ÆÞ’s robust performance in 2023 demonstrates its appeal as a top-tier tourist destination, offering a compelling mix of natural beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant local culture that continues to attract visitors from across the UK and beyond.