Visit Herts’ latest Tourism Economic Impact Study shows that before the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the county’s visitor economy had topped £2.4billion for the first time ever, welcoming a record 29 million visitors in 2019. Independent research commissioned by Hertfordshire’s official Destination Management Organisation has revealed that £139million was spent on average in the local economy each month in 2019, as a direct result of the county’s tourism and hospitality industry.  

The number of tourism jobs across the county showed an 8 per cent increase between 2017 and 2019, to 43,390, accounting for 7 per cent of total employment in Hertfordshire. Using the industry-respected Cambridge Economic Impact Model, the study measured the volume and value of tourism across the county in 2019, and the impact of visits and visitor expenditure on the local economy. 

Deirdre Wells, chief executive, Visit Herts, says: “In light of the current Covid-19 pandemic, the tourism, leisure and hospitality sector is having to drastically re-think how to rebuild demand and revenue streams, working together to adapt, develop and survive. We are proud to be working closely with our partners at Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership, and the Herts Growth Hub on a programme of activity that aims to support the recovery of our industry following the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Continued collaboration will be critical in championing the recovery of our sector during a particularly challenging year ahead.” 

To access the full Hertfordshire Tourism Economic Impact Study 2019 report, along with a selection of district-specific reports, please visit: https://www.visithertsbusiness.co.uk/insights-and-resources/hertfordshire-s-cambridge-economic-impact-model/.  

For further media information on Visit Herts, please contact Brand Manager (Destinations) Lana Crouch at lana.crouch@visitherts.co.uk or call 01227 812914.