Bradford tourism industry rises to £656m a year, claims new report

A new report regarding the tourism industry in Bradford has revealed an overall increase in year-on-year spending, which has been driven by an increase in day trips and visits from overseas tourists.

The industry is now worth an estimated £656m a year to the city’s economy and supports over 13,500 jobs.

The figures, compiled by Bradford Council, show that the total spending by visitors is up by 10% and the number of tourism jobs has also increased by 4% from 2015.

An estimated 2.25million visitor nights were spent in the district in 2016 as well as approximately 11.6 million day trips.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for environment, sport and culture, said: “These figures show our district is a great place for both UK and overseas visitors to spend their time and money.

“We’ve hosted some amazing events in the district in recent years including Bingley Music Live, the Bradford Festival, the Tour de France Grand Depart and the Tour de Yorkshire as well as Illuminate Bradford, that have all brought visitors to the district and shown what we have to offer.

“The recent opening of new city centre bars and restaurants, especially those in the Sunbridge Wells development, has seen an increase in visitors to the city centre.

“We’ve some excellent museums and galleries showing world class exhibitions including the newly opened permanent Hockney Gallery at Cartwright Hall, and our venues including the much loved Alhambra Theatre, put on spectacular shows and concerts.”

Patricia Tillotson, visitor and business development manager at Bradford Council, added: “It’s really positive that the visitor expenditure in the Bradford district continues to grow year on year, and that we are attracting more overseas visitors.

“Bradford was the first UNESCO City of Film and Saltaire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we are also the Curry Capital of Britain.

“We have lots of free attractions and museums including the excellent National Science and Media Museum and the fantastic rural landscape of the district, which is a paradise for walkers and cyclists.

“With more regeneration in the city centre, and a programme of cultural and creative events taking place across that the district including the British Science Festival, Bradford Literature Festival, and events to celebrate bicentenary of the birth of Emily Bronte, as well as Tour de Yorkshire once again showcasing our district, 2018 looks set to be another great year to visit Bradford.”

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