Posted: 16 July 2026
Doncaster’s visitor economy has achieved a landmark milestone, generating more than £1 billion for the local economy for the first time, according to the latest STEAM tourism economic impact figures.
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The new figures show that Doncaster’s visitor economy was worth £1.047 billion in 2025, an increase of 9.8% on the previous year, while supporting 8,612 full-time equivalent jobs across the city. Visitor numbers increased to 10.17 million, up 5.5%, while visitor days grew by 4.8% to 11.33 million. Direct visitor expenditure also rose to £698 million, an increase of 9.9% year-on-year.
The data was funded by the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (SYLVEP), which brings together Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield councils, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and private sector partners to support and grow the region’s visitor economy through collaborative working and strategic investment.
The results demonstrate sustained growth in Doncaster’s visitor economy, which has grown from £723.6 million in 2022 to £953.5 million in 2024, before surpassing the £1 billion mark in 2025.
Day visitors continue to be the main driver of growth, contributing £877.6 million to the local economy and accounting for around 84% of total visitor economy impact. Day visitor numbers increased by 5.9% to reach 9.3 million visits during 2025.
The value of staying visitors also increased significantly, generating £169.2 million, up 10.1% on the previous year. While overnight visitor numbers grew more modestly, the figures suggest visitors are spending more during their stay, delivering additional benefits for accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions and local businesses.
The growth reflects the continued strength of Doncaster’s events and attractions offer, supported by close collaboration across the city’s visitor economy sector. Through the Visitor Economy Group and City Centre Events Coordination Group, partners have worked together to share expertise, coordinate marketing activity, strengthen year-round engagement and develop a more cohesive programme of events.
The positive results come as Doncaster prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the St Leger Festival in September. As the world’s oldest Classic horse race reaches this significant milestone, the city is preparing to welcome visitors from across the UK and beyond, further strengthening Doncaster’s reputation as one of Yorkshire’s leading destinations for major events, sport and culture.
Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said:
"These results are fantastic news for Doncaster and demonstrate the growing appeal of our city as a destination to visit, enjoy and invest in. Reaching the £1 billion milestone for the first time is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work of our tourism, hospitality, retail and leisure businesses, alongside our attractions, events organisers and cultural partners.
"Tourism supports thousands of jobs and makes a vital contribution to our economy. These figures show strong, sustainable growth and give us confidence that Doncaster’s visitor economy will continue to go from strength to strength in the years ahead."
The STEAM figures were produced by Global Tourism Solutions (GTS) and provide the most comprehensive assessment of the volume and value of tourism activity in Doncaster. The research was commissioned through the South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership to support evidence-based investment and destination development across the region.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
What is SYLVEP?
The South Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (SYLVEP) is the accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership for South Yorkshire. It brings together local authorities, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and industry partners to support the growth of the visitor economy, develop destination management priorities and promote the region nationally and internationally.
What is STEAM?
STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) is a nationally recognised tourism economic impact modelling process developed by Global Tourism Solutions. It uses a range of local tourism, accommodation occupancy, visitor and economic data to estimate the value and volume of tourism activity and the jobs it supports.
