Tourism worth £650m to economy of Calderdale, councillors hear
New figures also show visitor numbers are up almost 4% in three years
Tourist numbers are on the up in Calderdale – and so is the cash they are bringing with them, almost doubling over five years.
While tourism was worth £348 million to the borough’s economy in 2019, its value is £649.6 million in 2024, the latest data available.
Calderdale scrutiny councillors heard the borough is exceeding West Yorkshire averages for both value and numbers.
Using a three-year metric, visitor numbers are up 3.7 per cent on 2023, when figures were last collated.
It all has an impact on the economy, including tourism supporting just under 6,000 jobs – 4,113 directly and 1,668 indirectly, Calderdale Council Place Scrutiny Board members heard.
In their report officers say: “Calderdale’s growth as a visitor destination is thanks in part to its many events and attractions.
“They are powerful economic drivers and bring in thousands of people to the borough each year.”
Councillors heard the Halifax-based Eureka! – national museum of childhood – is number four of the top 15 most visited bookable attractions in West Yorkshire, according to Visit England.
Shibden Hall – historic Halifax home of Anne Lister, subject of television hit series Gentleman Jack – is at number 11.
Events at Halifax’s Piece Hall pulled in more than 185,000 visitors in 2025, and other popular draws ranged from Brighouse’s 1940s weekend to Hebden Bridge’s Handmade Parade.
The council actively promotes Calderdale through goals of developing its “product” and places, increasing awareness in the wider world of what Calderdale has to offer and boosting its appeal, and managing its environment, making it an attractive place to visit, councillors were told.
Coun Regan Dickenson (Con, Rastrick) asked if it had been possible to evaluate the impact of Calderdale’s Year of Culture in 2024-25 on the leisure and tourism economy, particularly on aspects like hotel accommodation.
Officers said evaluation work had been done on visitor numbers coming in but was still being undertaken regarding overnight stays.