New figures Reveal Impact of Wales’ heritage on UK Tourism Economy

New figures reveal impact of Wales’ heritage on UK tourism economy

• Wales’ heritage makes a £1bn GVA contribution to UK tourism economy
• Heritage tourism supports over 24,000 jobs in Wales
• Wales’ cultural and heritage attractions receive more than 10m visitors per year
• Heritage tourism more important as economic driver in Wales than UK as a whole     

Published today, a new report from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) shows that Wales’ heritage tourism annually contributes £1bn GVA (Gross Value Added) to the UK’s economy.

However, it is the relative importance of heritage tourism to Wales’ economy that is particularly interesting. Including direct, indirect and induced impacts**, Wales’ tourism sector contributes 1.8% of national GVA substantially higher than in the equivalent figure for the UK overall, of 1.1%.  That means heritage tourism is a larger contributor to the economy in Wales than it is across the UK as a whole.

The report, The Impact of heritage tourism for the UK economy 2016, is the second follow-up to Investing in Success, HLF’s original report on heritage tourism published in 2010 in partnership with VisitBritain. The three reports analyse the impact of the heritage-based visitor economy and highlight the importance of continued investment from leisure, culture and heritage budgets in supporting UK tourism.

Richard Bellamy, Head of HLF Wales, said:  “We may be a small country but when it comes to tourism, Wales punches above its weight.  This new research highlights, for the first time, the draw of Welsh heritage and culture. It is vital we continue to champion it in order to build future economic success.”

Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates, said:  “Wales is blessed with a distinctive and diverse heritage and it’s important we make the most of this, not only to help us learn more about our past, but also to make the most of the economic benefits our unique heritage brings to our local communities, this report is valuable in demonstrating that contribution.

“Heritage is one of the motivations for many visitors to Wales and will continue to play a  significant role in promoting Wales as a tourist destination.”