Tunbridge Wells Tourism Thrives
The team at Visit Tunbridge Wells was delighted to see the latest information published by Visit Kent which shows continued growth in the tourism sector in Tunbridge Wells. They told Tunbridge Wells Business Magazine a bit more about what the figures say
With so many fun and vibrant things to do in Tunbridge Wells, plus its natural beauty, history and heritage, it comes as no shock to those of us who live and work in the borough that tourists love to visit. And the latest tourism statistics published by Visit Kent show just that.
Levels of tourism in Tunbridge Wells have continued to grow since the last study conducted post-pandemic in 2021. According to the report, 4.7 million people chose to visit the borough in 2023 which equates to 31% growth versus trips taken in 2021. And these trips generated a total of £289 million in revenue, showcasing just how important tourism is to the borough’s local economy.
And it’s not just UK domestic visitors choosing Tunbridge Wells as their holiday destination. There was a total of 60,400 overseas trips made in 2023, 89% of pre-pandemic levels. This recovery reflects the continued appeal to international visitors and the successful efforts to rebuild global connectivity through air and rail links as well as promotional campaigns from Visit Kent, the Royal Tunbridge Wells Business Improvement District and Visit Tunbridge Wells.
It’s thanks to the varied landscape of the borough that tourists flock here throughout the seasons. Vibrant Tunbridge Wells offers a range of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes whilst the wider borough boasts charming countryside, rural villages and some of the best scenery from tourist favourites like Bedgebury Pinetum, Bewl Water and Scotney Castle. Just 45 minutes from London and coastal Hastings, there’s plenty of reasons to visit this corner of Kent.
When it comes to volume of visits, it’s day trips that amount to the largest driver of tourism with 4.4 million trips taking place in 2023 with a total revenue of £176 million across businesses including hospitality and retail. The strong day trip markets reflects how well-known and well-loved Tunbridge Wells remains with residents of neighbouring boroughs and counties.
Councillor Justine Rutland, Cabinet member for Economic Development said: ‘We know that Tunbridge Wells is a great place to visit and it’s therefore gratifying to see it recognised in the 2023 tourism figures for the area. Tourism is very important to the local economy in terms of both jobs and revenue and the Council is committed to supporting and growing the sector.’
Tourism also continues to boost local employment, supporting 5,109 jobs across Tunbridge Wells, representing 10% of total employment within the borough. These figures underscore the industry’s importance not just as a driver of economic recovery but also as a cornerstone of local employment.
Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Visit Kent commissioned the study which uses the industry-respected Cambridge Economic Impact Model to measure the volume and value of tourism within a destination, as well as the effect of visits and visitor expenditure on the local economy.
For more information on how Visit Tunbridge Wells and the Economic Development Team at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council can support your business and to take advantage of tourism opportunities contact
business@tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Also from the Economic Development Team, don’t miss the FREE West Kent Business Expo ’25. Find out more at westkentbusiness.com/expo25
