We have received the latest from the Welsh Assembly on the revised stats on Day Trips from 2022-2023
Domestic GB Tourism Statistics (day trips): 2022 to 2023
Here's a summary -
- 178.69 million leisure day trips lasting 3+ hours in Wales, generating £5.37 billion.
- 34% were tourism day trips (61.62 million trips), with spending of £2.30 billion.
- Average spend per trip: £30 for leisure, £37 for tourism day trips.
- Wales accounted for 6% of all GB leisure day trips and spending.
- 169.60 million leisure day trips in Wales, spending £5.50 billion.
- 36% were tourism day trips (60.90 million), with spending of £2.49 billion.
- Average spend per trip increased to £32 for leisure and £41 for tourism day trips.
- Share of GB leisure trips and spending in Wales slightly declined to 5%.
- In GB, day trips grew from 2.79 billion in 2022 to 2.97 billion in 2023.
- Spending increased from £95.45 billion to £108.88 billion.
- Average spend per trip was consistently higher in GB than in Wales:
- £34 to £37 for leisure trips.
- £42 to £44 for tourism trips.
- Visiting friends/relatives (27% of trips).
- Visiting attractions (17%).
- Food, drink, and shopping (14%).
- Visiting friends/relatives decreased by 23% but remained most popular (21% of trips).
- Visiting attractions and sightseeing became more popular.
- Sightseeing/exploring was the third most popular activity, particularly in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).
- In Wales, 2023 saw fewer trips compared to 2022, except for the first quarter.
- Spending, however, increased by 3% despite the drop in trips.
- Highest spending in 2023 occurred in the second quarter, contrasting with the previous year's peak in the fourth quarter.
- In both 2022 and 2023:
- 58-59% of trips were by Welsh residents.
- 40% from England (primarily North West, West Midlands, and South West).
- Only 1-2% of visitors were from Scotland.
- Spending patterns matched the volume of visits, with Welsh residents contributing 57% of the total expenditure.
- Wales remains a popular destination within GB but faced a slight decline in visits and spend share in 2023.
- Tourism day trips accounted for a larger proportion of leisure day trips in Wales compared to the rest of GB.
- Spending per trip increased in 2023, possibly reflecting rising costs rather than increased activity levels.
- Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) continues to be a key area for sightseeing and outdoor leisure, contributing to Wales’ strong appeal for nature-based tourism.
