Flintshire tourism surpasses £400 million

Flintshire’s tourism industry flourished in 2024, generating £402.26 million and attracting more than four million visitors to the county.

The latest STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) report shows a 5.8 per cent increase in visitor spending compared to 2023. Growth was driven primarily by day visitors, up by 2.8 per cent, while staying visitors remained stable.

Visitors spent a total of 7.04 million days in the county – up 0.8 per cent on the previous year – demonstrating the continued strength of Flintshire’s tourism offer and its appeal as a place to visit, explore and enjoy.

While some areas saw modest declines, including a 0.8 per cent fall in staying-visitor days and a 2.1 per cent reduction in tourism-supported full-time equivalent jobs (now 3,358), the overall picture remains very positive.

Tourism continues to play a vital role in supporting Flintshire’s economy, local communities, and hundreds of small businesses across the county.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Regeneration, Countryside and Tourism, Councillor Chris Dolphin, said:

“We are delighted to see another year of growth in visitor numbers and spending across Flintshire. The increase in day visitors and the overall rise in economic impact reflect the strength of our attractions, hospitality and local businesses.

“While we recognise that staying visitor numbers have dipped slightly, we’re committed to working with our partners to encourage longer stays and build on the fantastic progress made so far. Tourism remains a cornerstone of our local economy, and we’re proud of the hard work that continues to make Flintshire such a welcoming and vibrant destination.”

Flintshire County Council continues to work closely with local tourism businesses, community groups and regional partners to deliver the Flintshire Destination Management Plan. The plan aims to grow the visitor economy sustainably, promote the county’s distinctive character, and maximise the benefits of tourism for residents and communities.

Looking ahead, the council is focusing on projects designed to encourage longer stays, enhance accommodation options, and improve visitor experiences – ensuring Flintshire remains a key part of North Wales’s thriving tourism offer.

From its historic market towns and scenic Dee Estuary coast, to walking trails, heritage sites and local food experiences, Flintshire continues to attract visitors seeking authentic and memorable experiences year-round.