Tourism is estimated to have generated more than £4bn of economic impact for South Yorkshire, with Sheffield accounting for half of that figure.

The visitor economy was described as “a major economic sector for Sheffield and South Yorkshire” in a report discussed by councillors.

Data for 2025 estimates that Sheffield generated £2.01bn of direct and indirect economic impact through visitor and tourism business expenditure, supported 16,203 full-time equivalent jobs locally, and welcomed an estimated 18.7m tourism visits.

Across South Yorkshire, the visitor economy generated an estimated £4.02bn of economic impact, 38.3m tourism visits and more than 32,800 full-time equivalent jobs, the council’s economic development, skills and culture policy committee heard last week (September 2).

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Members agreed to accept £798,000 of grant funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority over three years as the body dealing with funding for the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership.

Councillor Matt Smith called for better promotion of Sheffield as the home of football, with information about the key places to visit in the city.

Coun Mohammed Maroof said he would like to see a tourism office in the city centre.

He agreed with Coun Smith, adding that more could have been done to link in with the World Cup.

Katy Archer, council head of culture and place-making, said that the budget for tourism promotion is limited. She said the Welcome to Sheffield website, https://www.welcometosheffield.co.uk/, promotes lots of ideas for themed breaks.

She said she is hoping to attract more visitors who come for business conferences to stay on with their families and explore the city.