Tourist numbers are on the up in Calderdale – and so is the cash they are bringing with them, almost doubling over five years.

While tourism was worth £348m to the borough’s economy in 2019, its value is £649.6m in 2024 – the latest data available.

Calderdale scrutiny councillors heard the borough is exceeding West Yorkshire averages for both value and numbers.

Using a three-year metric, visitor numbers are up 3.7 per cent on 2023, when figures were last collated.

It all has an impact on the economy, including tourism supporting just under 6,000 jobs – 4,113 directly and 1,668 indirectly, Calderdale Council Place Scrutiny Board members heard.

In their report officers say: “Calderdale’s growth as a visitor destination is thanks in part to its many events and attractions.

“They are powerful economic drivers and bring in thousands of people to the borough each year.”

Councillors heard the Halifax’s Eureka! museum is number four of the top 15 most visited bookable attractions in West Yorkshire, according to Visit England.

Shibden Hall – historic Halifax home of Anne Lister, subject of television hit series Gentleman Jack – is at number 11.

Events at Halifax’s Piece Hall pulled in more than 185,000 visitors in 2025, and other popular draws ranged from Brighouse’s 1940s weekend to Hebden Bridge’s Handmade Parade.

The council actively promotes Calderdale through goals of developing its “product” and places, increasing awareness in the wider world of what Calderdale has to offer and boosting its appeal, and managing its environment, making it an attractive place to visit, councillors were told.