Northumberland Achieves Record-Breaking Tourism Growth with £1.4 Billion Economic Impact
Northumberland’s Tourism Sector Reaches Historic Milestone
New data reveals that tourism was worth a record-breaking £1.443 billion to Northumberland’s economy in 2024, with nearly 10.5 million visitors generating a 9% increase on 2023 and a 3.2% rise compared to the previous 2019 pre-Covid record. This remarkable achievement marks a significant moment for the North East England county, demonstrating the resilience and appeal of one of Britain’s most scenic destinations.
The significance of this milestone extends beyond mere numbers. Northumberland’s visitor economy has reached its remarkable post-COVID recovery a year ahead of forecast, achieving record-breaking economic results. This early success underscores the effectiveness of strategic tourism initiatives and the county’s growing reputation as a premier destination for both domestic and international visitors.
Key Drivers Behind Northumberland’s Tourism Success
Staying visitors have shown notable growth, with the number of overnight visitors increasing by 0.5% on 2023 to 1.863 million and an extension in average length of stay to 4.2 nights. This trend indicates that visitors are not merely passing through but are choosing to immerse themselves in Northumberland’s rich heritage, stunning coastline, and Dark Sky parks.
The economic impact of food and drink remains the most significant, accounting for 45.9% of the total economic impact, supporting 14,545 full-time equivalent jobs across the sector. The tourism industry has become vital to local employment, representing a quarter of the county’s foundational economy workforce.
Work is getting underway in early 2026 to transform Richard Stannard House into new high quality residential apartments – another step in Blyth’s development as a great place to live, work and invest. Such developments demonstrate ongoing investment in infrastructure that supports both residents and the growing tourism sector.
Strategic Vision for Continued Growth
Visit Northumberland has entered an exciting new chapter with the appointment of fresh board members and two powerful new boards, positioning the county better than ever to deliver on ambitions for the visitor economy. These governance changes reflect evolving priorities in sustainable and regenerative tourism development.
Multiple organisations from Northumberland were recognised in the 2026 Destination North East England Tourism Awards shortlist, including the Northumberland County Show and Kielder Observatory, highlighting the county’s excellence in visitor experiences.
What This Means for the Future
For residents and businesses, Northumberland’s tourism boom represents sustainable economic opportunity. The sector’s commitment to regenerative tourism ensures that growth benefits local communities whilst preserving the natural and cultural assets that make the county special. With strategic investment, enhanced infrastructure, and continued focus on quality visitor experiences, Northumberland is well-positioned to maintain its upward trajectory whilst supporting the UK Government’s broader tourism ambitions.
Looking ahead, prospects remain positive as Northumberland continues attracting diverse visitor audiences through innovative marketing campaigns and business development programmes that strengthen the entire tourism ecosystem.