Tees Valley tourism 'bounces back'

The Tees Valley visitor economy is enjoying record recovery after a major “bounce back” in tourism spending.

New figures show tourism brought in £1.38 billion for the Tees Valley in 2024, with a rise in both day and overnight stays surpassing pre-pandemic levels. 

The food and drink sector led the way, accounting for 45.8 per cent of the total economic impact and nearly half of all direct tourism jobs.

Data from the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) model, used by local authorities to track tourism trends nationwide, showed £475 million generated by overnight visitors and £906 million from day-trippers, with over 23 million visitor days and 20.4 million visits in total.

Tourism now directly supports more than 10,000 full-time equivalent jobs, rising to nearly 13,000 when indirect employment is factored in, with jobs in the food and drink sector alone increasing by 3.1 per cent to 4758.

The figures were presented and endorsed at last week’s LVEP (Local Visitor Economy Partnership) board, with officials saying the results underline the strength of Tees Valley’s tourism offering and will help shape future growth plans across the region’s hospitality, culture and leisure industries.

Luxury retreat Kip & Nook, left, near Darlington, and Steetley Pier, Hartlepool, are just two of numerous attractions for visitors in the Tees Valley

Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen, who also chairs the LVEP board, said: “These brilliant results show we’re not just open for business – we’re open for hundreds of thousands of visitors too.

“From our bustling food and drink scene to our coastal escapes, cultural attractions, and global sporting events, we’re proving our beautiful part of the world can more than hold its own as a top destination.

“Tourism means real jobs, real investment, and real pride in our home. 

“With more than 12,000 jobs supported by this sector, this isn’t just about people visiting for a day – it’s about a growing industry that puts money in the pockets of local people and keeps our vital small businesses across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool opening and running.

“These figures are good news – but I’m keen for us to do more.

“We’ll keep getting our name out there and letting the world know just how brilliant our region is.”

LVEP board member Josh Newell-Brown, who owns Signals and Koze café and bar, in Saltburn, added: “As a business owner, it’s incredibly encouraging to see clear data that reflects the impact of tourism across our region. 

“Having this insight will help us to make informed decisions and continue to grow with confidence. 

“At Signals, we’re proud to play a part in welcoming visitors to our beautiful coast –events like Saltburn Food Festival are a brilliant example of how our area thrives when we come together. 

“We’ll keep opening our doors and doing our bit to make this region a must-visit destination, year after year.”

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