York Tourism Supports £2B Economy, 4.8% Employment Rise in 2024

York's tourism sector significantly contributed £2.01 billion to the local economy in 2024, marking a 5.4% increase from 2023, though visitor numbers remain below pre-pandemic levels. The largest share of visitor spending went to retail (34%), followed by food and drink (27%), accommodation (25%), recreation and entertainment (11%), and transport (3%). Overnight visitors reached 1.7 million with an average stay of 3.3 nights, supporting 16,788 full-time equivalent jobs, a 4.8% increase from the previous year. Overseas visitors accounted for nearly a quarter of the economic impact, injecting £0.5 billion into York's economy, highlighting the city's strong international appeal. Despite inflation-adjusted figures showing a slight decline compared to 2019, the overall tourism growth reflects York's resilience and the effectiveness of ongoing promotional efforts. The tourism sector remains a vital driver of economic health and employment, reinforcing York's position as a premier destination for domestic and international travelers.