Total Value Of Tourism In Eastbourne Is Estimated At £388 Million

Total value of tourism in Eastbourne is now estimated to be £388 million over the course of the year.

And more than 8,000 jobs in the town's economy are tourism supported - its highest level since records began

Latest research shows tourist spending in Eastbourne continues to grow with more than £287 million spent in the local economy last year.

Conducted throughout 2015 by Tourism South East, the survey concludes that the 8,000 jobs account for just over a fifth of the working population.

Continuing the year on year increase in overnight stays, the latest results show a particularly strong growth in overseas visitors of 4.4 per cent since last year, who stay on average five nights longer than UK visitors and spend 173 per cent more.

Day visitors in Eastbourne also appear to be spending more, bucking the regional trend with an increase in spend of 3 per cent, despite an overall fall across the south east.

Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council lead cabinet member for tourism and enterprise, said: "After expanding our overseas marketing activity last year, it’s great to see this pay dividends as we continue to grow our overseas market.

"Tourism impacts on so many businesses, from taxi drivers to shops and restaurants – I am delighted to see these results as more and more visitor spending flows into our economy."

Food and drink accounted for more than a third of all spending, followed by accommodation, shopping, attractions/entertainment and transport.

The study, which examines the value, volume and economic impact of tourism, uses the Cambridge Model, widely recognised throughout the tourism industry and used by regional tourist boards over the last decade.

Using nationwide surveys, such as the Great Britain Tourism Survey and the International Passenger Survey, the report also uses local surveys including room occupancy rates, attraction surveys and retail footfall to generate a computer model of tourism in Eastbourne.