Visitor spend across Blaby District has smashed the target set by the Council in its bid to make the area one of Leicestershire’s leading, most welcoming and sustainable tourism destinations.
In Blaby District Council’s current Tourism Growth Plan one aim was to increase the value of tourism by £50 million on 2016’s baseline level of £159 million.
Latest figures for 2023 show this target has easily been surpassed with visitor spend at an impressive £217 million. The growth in tourism spend is proving to be a springboard for wider economic prosperity across the District.
Spend on accommodation, recreation and food and drink have seen the biggest rises. There has also been a significant increase in employment numbers despite difficulties faced by the sector.
The other two main aims in the Tourism Growth Plan are to, by 2025, increase the number of visitors by 1.3 million – to 4.6 million and increase the number of tourism jobs by 40% to 2,770. As of the end of 2023 visitor figures were at 3.04 million and there were 2,508 jobs.
As the existing Growth Plan ends the Council has started planning for 2025-2030. This includes a review of progress to date and consultation within the Council, the Tourism Partnership and key stakeholders, ready to launch in the new plan next year.
Councillor Cheryl Cashmore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Health, Leisure, Climate and Economic Development, said: “We are delighted with the progress being made, especially since the latest data shows a strong recovery post-Covid in all areas. In particular it’s fantastic to see the growth in the value of tourism, surpassing our ambitious target already.
“Our Tourism Growth Plan plays a vital role in moving forward the over-riding Blaby District Plan 2024-2028. It helps achieve our vision for Blaby District to be a great place to visit. It is also key to our priorities for ‘growing and supporting our economy’ and ‘keeping you safe and healthy’, by increasing visitor numbers, spend and employment in the District.
“It will also play a pivotal role in the Active Travel Strategy, Community, Health and Well-being Plan and the Economic Development Framework, making Blaby District a welcoming and sustainable tourism destination for residents and visitors.”
