Area's visitor numbers show 'notable improvement'

Nearly four-and-a-half million people visited a part of the region last year, but more can be done to increase the amount of money they spend, a council report says.

The figure was an 18% increase for Redcar and Cleveland compared to the previous 12 months and came as part of a rise in numbers across the Tees Valley.

The economic bump, though, was not as large with an estimated total of £268.5m being an increase of only 8.6% from 2023.

It is hoped more visitors can be encouraged to book overnight stays, the document said.

The analysis revealed tourism supports 10,035 jobs directly in the Tees Valley, of which 2,584 were associated with Redcar and Cleveland.

However, the cabinet report suggested the tourism sector in the latter was "underexploited" from an economic point of view.

It said: "Although a notable improvement, the percentage increase in the numbers of visitors has not led to a commensurate financial improvement.

"Day visitors still dominate the market and Saltburn remains the borough's most popular town.

"The [council's] destination management plan sets the target of increasing the volume of overnight stays in the borough, with the aim of increasing the amount spent per head at the same time."

The impact of several organised events, including the inaugural Redcar Kite Festival held over two days in May last year, was also highlighted, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The festival received funding of £35,000, spread across two years, from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and attracted 17,000 people - bringing an economic boost of £255,000.

The second annual Behind the Tides Festival last August, an arts festival aimed at children and their families, was said to have reached 13,000 visitors who brought in £100,000.

The report also referenced the continued partnership with British Cycling, which saw the area host the East Cleveland Classic, the National Championships and the second stage finish for the men's Tour of Britain.

While external funding of more than £300,000 was needed to support the delivery of the events, the economic impact was estimated to be in excess of £1m.

The figures were calculated using the Steam model, which estimates how much visitor spending brings to a local economy.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who is also chairman of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership board, said: "We're proving our beautiful part of the world can more than hold its own as a top destination.

"We'll keep getting our name out there and letting the world know just how brilliant our region is."

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