Research, trends & development

Page updated on: 02/10/2024

In 2023 3.31million visitors came to Carmarthenshire, generating £683.26 million for the local economy. Over 7.11 million tourist days were spent in the County with 1.18million people staying in one of the 1,250+ establishments. 6,649 people are employed in the sector. The changes for 2012 - 2023 (%) are as follows:
• Economic impact: £319.57million to £683.26million in 2023
• Visitor days: 5.38m to 7.12m
The increase in visitor yield was driven by strong performance in the staying visitor sector especially serviced. Since 2012, the annual number of staying visitors to Carmarthenshire has increased by 33.5%, contributing £589million to the economy in 2023. 
Non serviced is still the largest provider of accommodation rising in economic impact by 156% since 2012 with a value in 2023 of £451million. Our tourism performance is measured using STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor). 

Who are our visitors?

  • Affluent 'Empty Nesters' aged 55+ years
  • Average number of people in each visiting party is 4.4
  • Mid income families with older children
  • 97% said they were likely to return in future
  • 98% said they would recommend it as a place to visit
  • Large % came from other areas of Wales as well as Midlands, South East, USA, and Ireland

If you would like a copy of the full STEAM Economic Impact report, please contact us.