Wakefield Council says tourism benefits economy by £345m

The national report from Tourism South East Research shows a rise in visitor numbers from 4.4m trips in 2006 to 7.6m trips in 2012.

There was also a five per cent increase in overnight stays from visitors from other parts of the UK while the number of overseas visitors has increased by 25 per cent, the study shows.

It also estimates 13,400 jobs are tourism-related with a value of tourism to the local economy of £345m.

Coun Les Shaw, cabinet Member for culture, leisure and sport said: “We are delighted to see these figures and it is fantastic to recognise the amount of people visiting Wakefield.

“Tourism provides a great boost to our economy by raising the profile of the area both regionally and nationally as well as creating jobs for residents in the area and we are working continuously to support tourism across the district with various initiatives including the Experience Wakefield tourism website, the Wakefield District Visitor Guide and by delivering major events like Seaside in the City and the Pontefract Liquorice Festival.”

Last week, the Yorkshire Sculpture Park was named Museum of the Year in a national competition run by Art Fund. Alongside YSP, Wentbridge House Hotel, near Pontefract, already the holder of Welcome to Yorkshire’s Large Hotel of the Year, has been nominated for an Outstanding Customer Service Award and the National Coal Mining Museum for England is up for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.