The value of the tourism industry in the East Midlands broke through the £6b barrier last year, boosted by the increasing number of domestic tourists visiting the area, research has revealed.
The study, carried out by Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor and commissioned by East Midlands Tourism, shows that the value of the tourism sector increased by £68m during 2009 - a 1.3% increase on the previous year - and is now worth £6.05b.
The research also shows the estimated number of tourist visits to the region, including both day and overnight visits, rose by 320,000 to 141.7m in 2009, while the sector generated 1,847 new jobs.
Ruth Hyde, tourism director at the East Midlands Development Agency, described the figures as "incredibly encouraging".
"In what has been a challenging 12 months, it is great news that the sector is now worth more than £6b to the regional economy," she said. "The research shows that there has been a shift away from overseas holidays towards staying in the UK, with people taking the opportunity to rediscover and enjoy what's on their own doorstep."
Other key findings:
The economic impact of staying visitors increased by £49m from £1.65b in 2008 to £1.70b in 2009
Employment supported by the tourism sector rose 2% from 96,852 in 2008 to 98,699 in 2009 (based on full-time equivalent jobs)
The estimated number of tourist days, both day and overnight, in 2009 rose by 320,000 to 141.7m
The number of day trips taken to the East Midlands increased by 760,000 to 126.3m
The value of expenditure by day visitors in the region increased by £26m to £3.65b
By Daniel Thomas
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