UK music tourism generated £3.1 billion in 2014
Music tourism numbers in the UK have increased by a third in the past three years, according to a new report. Published today, the economic study, Wish You Were Here 2015, was carried out by Oxford Economics on behalf of UK Music and reveals the contribution of music tourism to the UK economy. Between 2011-2014, the number of music tourists in the UK increased by 34%. Around 9.5 million people travelled to music concerts and festivals in 2014, helping generate £3.1 billion in direct and indirect spend.
“The UK’s rich music heritage and infrastructure has made the UK the go-to destination for live music globally and these statistics show how tourism is now a bedrock of British music and the wider economy,” said UK Music CEO Jo Dipple (pictured).
The past four years have also seen a 39% rise in overseas tourists travelling to the UK to attend our music events, each with an average spend of £751 going directly to UK businesses. A total of 38,238 full time jobs in 2014 were sustained by music tourism in the UK – a 57% increase from the 2012 figure of 24,521 – added the report.
UK Music chairman Andy Heath said: “More international music tourists are coming to the UK and more Brits are travelling further afield to gigs. The average spend by international music tourists has increased by 13% during this period, while the total exports have grown by less than 2%. If we want an export-led recovery, we need music tourists to keep coming to the UK.”
Culture Secretary John Whittingdale added: “It’s fantastic news that our music industry drew in 9.5 million tourists last year but it’s no surprise. British music is legendary around the world and continues to go from strength to strength, with UK artists now accounting for one in seven albums sold worldwide.
“Festivals like Glastonbury hold an iconic status on the world music scene and are one of the reasons why international tourism is booming in the UK, drawing in streams of visitors to all parts of the country. We know our UK creative industries contribute an astonishing £76.9 billion to the UK economy but this report confirms they are truly world-class and a powerful advert for the UK.”
Source: Music Week
