Nottinghamshire hails tourism boom while economic value of Peak District hits new heights
Tourism and the wider visitor economy in Nottinghamshire saw a healthy growth in 2017, new figures reveal.
The latest Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) report 2017 revealed the number of visitors to the city and county increased by 1.3% to 35.89 million in 2017, up from 35.42 million in 2016.
The value of tourism to the local Nottinghamshire economy also saw growth of 3.6% to £1.814 billion compared to £1.751 billion the previous year.
As well as the volume of tourists increasing, the data also revealed that the average spend per trip in Nottinghamshire had also risen, up by 2.2% to £50.54 compared to £49.43 in 2016.
Overall, Nottingham City showed the strongest visitor growth in the county. The value of tourism was up 4.1% to £628.82 million from £604.24 million in 2016, whilst the value of overnight stays increased by 4.2% to £254.24 million in comparison to £244.04 million the year before.
Brendan Moffett, chief executive of Marketing NG, said: “The latest STEAM report demonstrates continued growth for Nottinghamshire’s visitor economy in 2017.
“We believe there are a number of contributory factors to these positive results. As the official Destination Marketing Organisation for the region, we invested heavily in a major new website and have worked closely with our 450 tourism member organisations to better promote the offer and to improve the visitor experience. Highlights in 2017 included the world exclusive of Dinosaurs of China at Wollaton and the re-opening of the National Justice Museum following a £1million Heritage Lottery Fund supported project.”
Cllr Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and localities, said: “It’s pleasing to see that the value of visitor economy to the city has once again increased – this time by 4.1% and is now worth £629 million annually. This is an important contributor towards local jobs and encouraging additional secondary expenditure for our city’s wider retail, food and beverage offers. To help support our vibrant city, Nottingham City Council continues to promote a wide range of annual events and activities and with the investment now being made in Nottingham Castle; is also looking to further build on this important aspect of our local economy.”
Meanwhile, tourism’s value to the Peak District and Derbyshire economy exceeded all expectations in 2017 – rising by 6% to £2.15 billion.
New research released by official tourist board Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire reveals that the increase on 2016 was double the average annual rise of three per cent since 2011.
Annual visitor numbers rose to 40.45 million, an increase of more than 1.3%, while the number of full time equivalent jobs supported by the visitor economy is up by almost 2.5% at 28,630.
The latest figures also reveal a trend for more visitors to stay in non-serviced accommodation such as self-catering and at camping and caravanning sites, up by more than 5% on 2016.
“This is excellent news for the Peak District and Derbyshire economy, and for everyone who lives, works and comes to stay here,” said Jo Dilley, managing director, Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire.
“The significant rise in tourism’s overall value over the past year signals that our long-term policy to run innovative and targeted marketing, PR and social media campaigns to encourage more people to come and stay for longer and to spend more money here is really paying off.
“The latest figures also show that our efforts to attract more visitors at quieter times of the year to extend the season from February to November are also effective, with more people staying for three or four nights rather than two.”
