The latest tourism figures for Calderdale are in, and are proof that it’s a great place to visit.
Visits to the borough added up to a massive 7.6 million in 2023, up nearly 5% from 2022. They were worth more than £600 million to the local economy, a 16% increase on the previous year, and supported over 5,500 full-time jobs – almost 10% more than in 2022.
This is according to a report commissioned by the Council, from Global Tourism Solutions.
The money spent by tourists during their visits to the area in 2023 spread far and wide, from towns and villages to rural areas. This benefitted hospitality, retail and entertainment businesses and the supply chain.
To ensure the borough’s growing tourism offer continues to go from strength to strength, the Council’s visitor economy team is working with key partner organisations across Calderdale to put the new five-year Visitor Economy Strategy(external link) into action.
Cllr Sarah Courtney, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said:
“We’re thrilled that visits to Calderdale are on the up, despite cost of living pressures. The borough’s towns, places, people, businesses and attractions continue to offer something distinctive to visitors and film crews.
“We can see the lasting impact that TV and film tourism is having on our economy, with people still keen to see where favourites like Happy Valley, Gentleman Jack and Marvel: Secret Invasion were filmed. And venues like The Piece Hall are putting Calderdale on the international map as a cultural, heritage and music destination.
“We are building on this success through our Visitor Economy Strategy, widespread regeneration to support thriving towns and places, and our iconic Year of Culture 2024(external link). We want to protect and promote the qualities that make our borough special, for local people as well as visitors.”
The Visitor Economy Strategy aims to generate more and longer trips to Calderdale, benefitting the local economy and leading to increased jobs. It also focuses on working in partnership with other organisations and local communities to showcase Calderdale, ensuring the borough remains competitive, compelling and attractive, and protecting the environment, such as by encouraging sustainable travel. This is underpinned by the Council’s priorities to develop thriving towns and create an inclusive economy where more people choose to visit, stay, work and live.
In July 2023, Calderdale achieved Local Visitor Economy Partnership status from Visit England with its West Yorkshire partners, Leeds, Bradford, Kirklees and Wakefield, recognising its importance as a destination. This partnership enables Calderdale to reach a wider audience and raise its profile as a national and international visitor destination.
Funding from the UK Government’s Rural Fund (part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund) is also helping to boost visitor numbers in rural parts of Calderdale. The fund supports businesses and communities in rural areas by providing grants to boost local economies and foster growth.
Calderdale has seen significant success with this programme, having received the highest number of successful applications in West Yorkshire. So far, 21 businesses in Calderdale have been approved for funding, with 18 of them collectively receiving a total grant value of around £730,000. This is helping them to innovate, expand and contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities.
Some of the latest recipients of the Rural Fund in Calderdale include:
Top Brink Inn, Todmorden, which is repurposing unused space above the pub to create three new en-suite bed & breakfast rooms, creating three new jobs.
Thornton Park Farm in Ripponden, whichis expanding from its usual livestock farming to offer overnight stays and child-friendly tourism activities. The plan is to create glamping lodges, an outdoor equestrian arena and stables, to encourage people to stay, enjoy the facilities and explore the bridleways surrounding the farm. A planned new petting farm will encourage schools and other groups of children and young people to visit for the farming experience.
The Visitor Economy Strategy supports the Council’s priority for thriving towns and places and demonstrates the key qualities of the Vision 2024 for the borough. Calderdale reached its 50th anniversary on 1 April 2024 and this is the ultimate year for the Vision 2024. Find out more about it here: www.calderdale.gov.uk/vision(external link)
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, Calderdale is hosting a Year of Culture, with a diverse programme of events and activities throughout 2024 and into 2025, catering to all ages and interests. From vibrant festivals and engaging workshops, to captivating performances and insightful exhibitions, there is something for everyone to experience and enjoy. Find out more at www.culturedale.co.uk(external link)
Discover the amazing things Calderdale has to offer at www.visitcalderdale.com(external link)
This Christmas, don your favourite festive jumper on the bus or train in Calderdale in December, and be in with the chance of winning some fantastic prizes!
Take a selfie in your Christmas jumper when travelling on a Team Pennine / The Keighley Bus Company bus or a Northern train, and tag in Visit Calderdale when uploading to either Facebook or Instagram. Click here to find out how to take part: www.visitcalderdale.com/are-you-on-on-board-festive-jumpers-on-bus-and-trains-this-december(external link)