Tourism continues to boost Newport’s economy

Newport’s tourism industry is continuing to boom, official figures reveal.

Over the last decade, the importance and value of the visitor economy has grown and there was significant change between 2015 and 2016.

In 2016, 4.78 million people came to the city, an increase of more than 57 per cent compared to the previous year.

According to the latest STEAM survey, the total economic impact of tourism last year was £373.59 million, a rise of 19.4 per cent.

The number of day visitors also rose to more than four million, an increase of 74.8 per cent, while the number of staying visitors rose to 730,000, up 0.7 per cent.

There was also 23.3 per cent increase in the number of jobs supported by tourism with 4,102 people employed in the industry last year.

Debbie Wilcox, leader of Newport City Council, said: “This is a really good news story for Newport. Tourism makes a significant contribution to our local economy.

"It is clear that the city has much to offer and, as our regeneration work continues and we continue to host prestigious events, there will be even more to attract people to Newport."

Jane Mudd, Newport City Council cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: “Newport has delivered some key regeneration projects including the opening of Friars Walk and numbers have increased at key locations such as Tredegar House, which is managed by the National Trust.

"A growing events calendar - including the food festival and major sporting events - as well as improved walking and cycling routes have also helped to draw day visitors.

"There has been increased interest from the travel trade. We recently welcomed representatives from tour operators, some of whom were visiting Newport for the first time.

"With the International Convention Centre Wales due to open in 2019, we are looking forward to more investment in hotel and guest house accommodation to cope with an increasing demand."