According to data published last week, North Herts has emerged as a top choice for overnight stays, with the latest tourism statistics showing a significant rebound post-pandemic, underscoring the district's appeal as a must-visit destination. 

Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Visit Herts commissioned the study which uses the industry-respected Cambridge Economic Impact Model to measure the volume and value of tourism within a destination, as well as the effect of visits and visitor expenditure on the local economy.   

The detailed report confirms that North Herts' tourism industry is nearing pre-pandemic levels, with 190,900 overnight stays recorded in 2023. 

This demonstrates 37% growth versus stays in 2021. 

The latest findings also reveal that overnight visitors to North Herts contributed £51 million to Hertfordshire's economy in 2023, marking an impressive 13% increase versus 2019.

Notably, spending per overnight trip has also risen by 14% since 2019, emphasising a growing trend toward extended stays and weekend breaks. 

Visit Herts also reports strong gains in total visitor numbers, with 2.9 million people choosing to visit North Herts in 2023, representing a 19% increase compared to 2021.

The value of tourism in North Herts reached £221 million in 2023, which is now on par with pre-pandemic levels.

Tourism also continues to boost local employment, supporting 4,126 jobs across North Herts, representing 6% of total employment within the district. 

Cllr Tamsin Thomas, Executive Member for Enterprise at North Herts Council, said: "It's great to see how North Herts is becoming a real draw for visitors. These figures show just how much people enjoy exploring our district, whether it's for the stunning countryside, historic towns, or welcoming atmosphere. Tourism plays a key role in boosting our local economy and supporting jobs, and we're committed to helping it thrive even more in the future."

Visit Herts Chief Executive, Deirdre Wells, OBE, said:"Hertfordshire's resurgence as a top destination for overnight stays is a testament to its unique charm, rich history, and beautiful countryside that resonates with visitors seeking both relaxation and discovery. These strong recovery figures affirm the vital role tourism plays in our local economy, not only in driving visitor spending but in sustaining thousands of jobs.

"As we continue to celebrate Hertfordshire's growing appeal, it's crucial to acknowledge the industry's ongoing challenges, particularly with the current economic pressures and operational costs that our local businesses face daily. While we're encouraged by the progress in overnight stays, the sector is still navigating recovery in international visits with factors like inflation and the cost-of-living impacting traveller spending".

"Through our newly launched Destination Management Plan, we're committed to addressing these challenges head-on, supporting our partners, and advocating for policies that help sustain the industry. It's clear that, despite the strides we've made, there is more work ahead to ensure full recovery and continued growth for tourism in Hertfordshire."