More than 15 million people visited Sheffield last year, bringing an estimated billion-pound boost to the city’s economy.
Tourists spent money on accommodation, food and drink, culture, shopping, and travel, which helps bring money into the city and create jobs.
Cultural events, sporting fixtures and Sheffield’s growing reputation as a city break destination has helped attract tourists.
The Women’s Euros brought football and footfall to Sheffield, with the number of people visiting the city centre increasing by more than 10,000. The Rugby League World Cup also brought thousands more sports fans to Sheffield.
City centre footfall increased by 22% during the Women’s Euros
Events run by local businesses helped make Sheffield more attractive to tourists. Markets like Peddler street food market and Pollen flower markets continued to thrive and annual events like World Snooker, Tramlines and Art in the Gardens brought sports, music and arts fans to the city.
Sheffield has been named the ‘second best city to visit’ by TimeOut and its reputation as The Outdoor City attracts city break visitors who enjoy adventures from climbing to stand up paddleboarding to exploring our open spaces on foot.
This is the first year since 2019 that the visitor economy has not been affected by covid restrictions, with the value of Sheffield’s visitor economy now being only 1.2% below its pre-pandemic level.
Councillor Martin Smith, Chair of the Economic Development and Skills Committee, said: “It is fantastic to see that tourists are keen to visit and experience all the Sheffield has to offer.
“The pandemic was an incredibly challenging time for our visitor economy and it is good to see that recovery is on track and that visitors are returning to Sheffield.”
“In autumn, Sheffield’s proposed Destination Management Plan – a long term plan for tourism in the region will be considered by the Economic Development and Skills Committee. The plan follows July’s announcement of the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership by Visit England and will bring together unique attractions and visitor experiences from across the region to attract more visitors.
“From world-class sporting events to local artisan markets, adventures on the edge of our city in the Peak District, visits to our museums, galleries and theatres, and of course, shopping trips. I am proud that Sheffield has attracted so many visitors, providing a welcome boost to the city’s economy.”
To find out more visit welcometosheffield.co.uk/visit.
