2024 Visitor Numbers and Economic Impact Revealed

Make It York is delighted to unveil the latest figures highlighting the strength and continued growth of York’s tourism sector – underscoring its vital contribution to our local economy and the city’s enduring appeal to visitors from near and far. 

Tourism contributed an outstanding £2.01 billion to York’s economy in 2024 – a 5.4% increase from 2023. Spending patterns show: 

• 34% of visitor spend went to York’s vibrant retail offering,
• 27% was spent on our diverse food and drink scene,
• 25% supported the city’s accommodation sector,
• 11% went toward recreation and entertainment, and
• 3% was spent on transport and getting around the city. 

Overseas visitors alone accounted for nearly a quarter of the economic impact, injecting £0.5 billion into York’s economy. 

The number of staying visitors reached 1.7 million, with an average stay of 3.3 nights – a slight increase on the previous year. Most overnight visitors, 54%, continued to stay in serviced accommodation and hotels, with non-serviced accommodation a close favourite. 

Beyond its economic benefits, tourism also enhances York’s profile as an exceptional place to live, work and do business. In 2024, 16,788 employees (FTEs) were supported directly and indirectly by tourism, up 4.8% from 2023. 

York welcomed an impressive 9.4 million visitors, marking a 5% increase on 2023. This growth reflects not only the city’s resilience but also the success of our ongoing efforts to attract, engage and inspire visitors. 

International interest in York remains strong, with overseas visitors making up 14% of the total, and of those, 43% chose to stay overnight in the city, reinforcing York’s reputation as a must-visit base for wider travel. Day visitor numbers also saw an encouraging 6% rise compared to the previous year. 

These results reaffirm York’s position as a leading destination for both domestic and international travellers. The dedication of local businesses, tourism partners and city-wide stakeholders has played a pivotal role in its growth.  

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: 

“These results reflect the incredible work of our local businesses and partners in making York a truly world-class destination. Thank you to all our members who have contributed to this remarkable achievement. The continued growth of our visitor numbers and economy is a testament to the city’s enduring appeal and our collective efforts to deliver exceptional experiences.” 

Through our Visit York brand, we will continue to enrich our visitor experiences ensure York continues to shine as a world-class destination.