Heritage tourism a big winner for Yorkshire, report shows

A STUDY by a leading property consultancy shows that heritage tourism in Yorkshire contributes £3.1bn to the local economy each year and supports 45,000 jobs.

The report, which was carried out by Drivers Jonas Deloitte (DJ Deloitte) on behalf of English Heritage, provides strong evidence that investment in heritage assets not only improves the perception of towns and cities but plays an important role in economic recovery.

Case studies featured in the study included Wentworth Castle, Sheffield Botanical Gardens and heritage towns such as Hebden Bridge and Beverley.

It was found that heritage assets can protect rural employment, either through the direct creation of jobs or by providing office space for start up companies.

The findings of the report have been used as part of a submission by English Heritage to the Yorkshire and Humber Strategy, which is being developed by local authorities and Yorkshire Forward.

Tanya Stevens, a surveyor from DJ Deloitte, said: “The study has shown that Yorkshire’s heritage sites and townscapes are proving to be an essential attraction, bringing in new visitors and boosting local economies.

“As we look towards economic recovery, we must keep on investing in heritage sites so they continue to flourish and bring key economic benefits to our regions.”