FIGURES from a new report on the economic impact of Wiltshire’s visitor economy show that 2014 was another record year for Wiltshire tourism.

The report was produced by The South West Research Company for VisitWiltshire and provides an analysis of tourism activity in Swindon and Wiltshire for 2014.

It included comparisons with previous years, analysis of spend by type and area, competitor destinations and overall economic contribution.

The report shows that in 2014 the number of visitors, value of tourism spend and tourism’s economic impact all reached record levels.

Tourism is up across the whole county and Wiltshire’s tourism season is getting longer.

Peter Wragg, VisitWiltshire’s Chairman and Swindon & Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership Board member, said: “This report is hugely encouraging and gives further evidence of how important tourism is to our overall economy.

“Since 2011 Swindon & Wiltshire’s total tourism business turnover and GVA have increased by 30%. Wiltshire’s visitor economy is worth £1.5bn per annum and supports over 28,000 jobs.”

David Andrews, CEO VisitWiltshire, said: “This report is a terrific endorsement for our marketing and development activity and the efforts we and the industry have been making to win back market share after Wiltshire’s tourism downturn from 2005-2010.

“We are particularly pleased to see such strong growth in overnight stays which are up 5%. Growth across the county reached a record 19.9m visitors in 2014 and we are delighted that there is new evidence that we’re extending the visitor season.”

As well as being good news for existing tourism businesses across the county, the report will be welcomed by anyone looking at setting up a new tourism business in Wiltshire as it provides strong evidence of growth potential.