Tourism boss delighted as new report highlights record-breaking year for Northumberland
Northumberland attracted more than 11 million tourists in 2025 in what was a record-breaking year for the county’s visitor economy.
The latest STEAM report on the economic impact of tourism reveals that Northumberland’s visitor economy has more than doubled in value over the past decade - from £756m in 2015 to £1.58bn in 2025.
Andrew Fox, chair of Visit Northumberland said: “This is a phenomenal achievement for Northumberland. To have more than doubled the value of our visitor economy in real terms over the past decade is a testament to the strength, resilience and ambition of our tourism businesses and partners.
“What we are now seeing is not just growth in volume, but growth in value with visitors staying longer, spending more, and choosing to visit throughout the year. This is exactly the type of sustainable, high-quality growth we have been working towards.
"The outlook for the sector remains strong, with continued focus on product development, sustainable destination management, and enhancing visitor experience expected to support further growth in both value and impact.”
Day visitors now account for 83% of all visits, contributing approximately £540m to the local economy, with average spend rising to £43 per visit, an increase of almost 9% on the previous year.
At the same time, staying visitors continue to underpin the sector’s value. While representing just 17% of total visits, they generate 66% of all visitor spend, with average overnight expenditure increasing to £403 per trip, up by nearly 23%.
One of the most significant trends emerging from the latest data is the continued extension of the tourism season, with growth increasingly concentrated in spring and the late autumn and early winter months. This shift highlights more balanced, year-round demand, supporting greater business resilience and more consistent economic impact across communities.
Changes are also evident within the accommodation sector. The non-serviced market, including self-catering and short-term lets, has continued to grow strongly, increasing by over 11%, while serviced accommodation has declined by 9.6%. However, the overall revenue impact remains modest, demonstrating the sector’s ability to adapt to changing visitor preferences while maintaining economic value.
Food and drink remains at the heart of the visitor economy, contributing over £540m annually, accounting for 46% of total visitor spend and reinforcing its role as a key driver of the Northumberland visitor experience.
The strength of the sector is also reflected in employment, with tourism supporting almost 15,000 jobs across Northumberland, remaining a vital contributor to local communities, businesses and livelihood.
Cllr Wendy Pattison, Northumberland County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Tourism, added: “The steady growth of Northumberland’s visitor economy is something we can be really proud of. It reflects the strength of a long-term approach that places quality, sustainability and partnership at its heart.
“With the sector now valued at £1.58 billion and supporting thousands of jobs across the county, tourism remains an important part of our local economy. It continues to play a positive role in creating opportunities and supporting inclusive growth for communities throughout Northumberland.”