It’s great news for Eden’s tourism businesses and their impact on the local economy as the district sees a massive 8.6% increase in tourism revenue, between 2017 and 2018, the highest percentage increase in the county.
Eden welcomed 5.06million visitors (an increase of 1.2%) and tourism activity supported 4,639 full time equivalent jobs in 2018 (an increase of 3.7% on 2017). The statistics come from the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor, commonly known as STEAM. “We are delighted to hear that tourism in Eden continues to grow in value and make such a substantial contribution to our local economy,” Councillor Mary Robinson, Commercial Services Portfolio Holder stated.
The fantastic product offer we have for the visitors in Eden is reflected by the investment and dynamism of the tourism businesses in our area and the continued growth in the value of tourism to the local economy bears testament to the positive relationship Eden Tourism, the tourism team of Eden District Council has with its businesses and the variety of projects jointly undertaken.
The Chair of the Eden Tourism Network, Jim Walker said: “this latest research is a brilliant endorsement of partnership working in Eden between public and private sector tourism operators and the passion with which tourism services are delivered to the highest possible standards. Eden is such an amazing area which we know is popular and only by teamwork between the Eden Tourism team and those of us operating businesses can the maximum impact be realised for the local economy and the benefit of local communities and residents.”
Eden Tourism are forging ahead with a number of new projects including increased social media activity, further development of the Visit Eden website, organisation of the annual Eden Tourism Summit, 2020 visitor guide production and new promotional projects which will be aimed at the overseas market. Partnership is key to promotional success and the Eden Tourism Network, made up of businesses from all areas of the tourism industry continues to meet on a quarterly basis to look at new initiatives and joint projects. The next meeting of the network takes place on Tuesday 3 September at Lowther Castle and Gardens.
Joint Tourism Managers at Eden District Council Jessica Goodfellow and Sally Hemsley confirmed; “We recognise the importance of meeting our visitors’ needs and expectations and will continue to work with our businesses and partners to grow the visitor product in Eden.”
For more information about things to do and places to stay in the Eden District go to www.visiteden.co.uk or find VisitEden on Facebook and Twitter. If you are a tourism business or attraction and want more information about the work of the Eden Tourism Network contact [email protected].
