Wakefield district welcomed over ten million visitors in 2024, marking a 10 per cent increase from 2023. Visitor spending reached £851 million, up 13.3 per cent from £751 million the previous year. The tourism sector supports around 7,600 full-time equivalent jobs across hospitality, cultural venues, and associated services.
The district’s profile was boosted by the year-long programme ‘Our Year – Wakefield District 2024’, which highlighted local heritage, cultural sites, and arts venues. Key attractions such as the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Hepworth Wakefield, and Pontefract Castle maintained high visitor appeal.
In 2024, Wakefield launched its Destination Management Plan (DMP) to strengthen the tourism offering. The strategy targets longer visitor stays, higher spending, and the development of unique and sustainable experiences in collaboration with local businesses.
Wakefield’s combination of cultural, historic, and hospitality assets positions the district for continued growth in visitor numbers and economic contribution, reinforcing its status as a significant regional destination.
