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Latest figures reveal NewcastleGateshead as growing tourist hotspot

As the North East bids farewell to Rugby World Cup 2015, with an estimated direct economic impact of £43m (indirect impact £93m), tourism bosses have reported a further boost to the visitor economy with figures released today showing more people visited NewcastleGateshead last year compared to 2013, contributing £1.42bn to the local economy (+1%).

Overall 17.6m people visited NewcastleGateshead in 2014. While day visitors continue to make up the majority share, the number of overnight stays has increased to 4.5 million nights (+2%), contributing £439m. The average spend per day of an overnight visitor is more than three times higher than that of a day visitor at almost £177.

Estimated using the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Model (STEAM), the figures show a significant increase in the value and volume of overnight visitors in particular. 1.9 million people spent 4.5 million nights in the destination, injecting £439m into the economy, all of which represents a 2% increase on 2013.

Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination management and marketing organisation, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said: “Last year, Newcastle was voted the UK’s favourite city-break destination by readers of the Guardian, the welcome we have shown Rugby fans from across the world in the last fortnight, alongside the visitor figures we have seen for 2014, certainly emphasise that point.

“It is particularly good news that the number of overnight visitors has continued to increase as the breadth and variety of NewcastleGateshead’s accommodation continues to grow and provide more choice.

“One of the unique parts of our Rugby World Cup 2015 experience was Conversion Festival, a nine day celebration of rugby, arts and culture. We are now looking ahead to Juice Festival later this month and NewcastleGateshead Winter Festival.”

She added: “These experiences alongside an evolving food, drink & nightlife offer, which has seen a recent explosion in new restaurants including the Michelin Star winning House of Tides, combine to provide a desirable year-round offer for visitors to NewcastleGateshead.”