Sheffield’s Visitor Economy Tops £2 Billion
Sheffield’s visitor economy reached new heights in 2025, generating a record-breaking £2.01 billion - an 8.7% increase on the previous year.
The city welcomed 18.7 million visitors, up 7.3% from 2024, with tourism now supporting 16,203 full-time equivalent jobs across the city.
The latest figures, compiled using the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Model (STEAM), show that day visitors continue to make up the majority of Sheffield’s tourism, accounting for 16.77 million visits and contributing almost £1.6 billion to the local economy with an increase in the average spend per visitor.
Meanwhile, 1.89 million overnight visitors stayed in the city, generating £427 million in economic impact and spending an average of 2.4 nights in local accommodation.
Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Economic Development, Skills and Culture Committee at Sheffield City Council, said:
“Tourism continues to be a powerful driver of Sheffield’s economy, supporting thousands of jobs and bringing in over £2 billion in 2025 alone.
“These figures reflect not just the strength of our visitor offer – from major events, conferences and cultural attractions to our stunning natural surroundings – but also the resilience and innovation of our local businesses who continue to welcome visitors in challenging times.
“As we look ahead, we’re committed to building on this momentum, ensuring that tourism continues to benefit communities across the city, plays a central role in Sheffield’s growth and provides opportunities for entry levels jobs that are so important for the young people of our city.”
The data also shows that Sheffield’s visitor economy is a major contributor to the wider South Yorkshire picture. Tourism has brought more than £4 billion to the region in total.
The accommodation sector continues to evolve, with growth in non-serviced accommodation such as self-catering properties and short-term lets. While overnight stays fell slightly by 4.3%, this reflects wider national trends as visitors increasingly seek flexible and affordable travel options including staying with friends and relatives, amid ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Spending patterns reveal that shopping remains the top expenditure category, followed by food and drink, transport, and accommodation which was on a par with the previous year.
Sheffield’s appeal as a destination continues to grow as a place where vibrant city life meets calming greenspaces, creative energy and friendly Northern charm.
The city’s events programme is thriving with events like Tramlines, Crossed Wires and World Snooker Championship getting ready for its 50th anniversary in 2027.
The city offers something for every type of visitor from world‑class culture, independent shopping and award‑winning food by day to woodland walks, riverside trails, sweeping hilltop views and the Peak District National Park.
Marketing Sheffield’s recent city breaks campaign is part of a drive to increase overnight stays and delivered impressive results in 2026. Running between January and March, the ‘Sheffield Inspires. Quality times.’ campaign reached over 4.1 million people interested in travel driving demand for spring breaks.
The campaign’s best-performing audiences were 25 - 34-year-olds and 65+ visitors with couples and groups content showing the highest engagement.
South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership
This year’s STEAM data was prepared by Global Tourism Solutions and made possible through the work of the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (SYLVEP).
The SYLVEP is a collaboration between Sheffield City Council, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, City of Doncaster Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and the South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority (SYMCA).
Its purpose is to work collectively on shared priorities and targets to foster the growth of the local visitor economy. It is part of the new national tourism framework and works closely with Visit England.
Sarah McLeod, Chair of the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership, said:
“South Yorkshire’s visitor economy is stronger than ever, generating more than £4 billion and supporting over 32,800 jobs. Visitor numbers and spending continue to rise, with more people choosing to visit the region than before.
“While hotel stays have eased slightly in line with national trends, demand remains strong and is increasingly reflected in growth across day visits and self-catering accommodation. These figures show a resilient, evolving visitor economy that is adapting to changing travel habits and is well placed for continued growth.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard added: “We know South Yorkshire is just a brilliant place to be - full of character and creativity you won’t find anywhere else.
“What’s really exciting is seeing more and more people coming here and falling in love with it the way we already do. From big festivals and sporting moments to our music, our industrial heritage, our parks and countryside, or the incredible things happening in our towns and cities.
“We’re working hard to make it even easier for people to get around and experience everything we have to offer. And we’re supporting the venues, artists and communities who give South Yorkshire our independent spirit.
“Whether you’ve been before or not, I’d just say come and take a bit of time to explore South Yorkshire. It’s our home, and it’s a pretty special place.”
