Full STEAM ahead for tourism in the Moorlands

Tourism contributed over £260 million to the economy in the Staffordshire Moorlands and supported over 3,600 jobs in 2015 according to the latest figures.

STEAM data, which assesses the economic impact of tourism and measures visitor numbers, visitor days and the number of jobs the tourism industry supports, shows increases in every area.

The figures show that since 2014:

• the economic impact of tourism has risen by 7.5% to £261.35m
• Visitor numbers are up to just over 5m - an increase of almost 9%
• Visitor days totalled 6.142m - up 7.68%
• Employment supported by tourism had increased by 4.4% to 3,678 jobs

Councillor Mike Bowen, cabinet member for tourism at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: "These are excellent figures for the Moorlands which demonstrate that our focus on tourism and attracting more and more people to the Moorlands is delivering strong results for local jobs and the economy.

"I often describe the Moorlands as a hidden gem known to those of us fortunate enough to live and work here and therefore familiar with its stunning countryside and landscapes and its thriving towns and villages which are full or character and heritage.

"These figures show that an ever-growing number of people are discovering for themselves the myriad attractions that this district has to offer - and that can only be good news for our tourism and hospitality sectors."