Music tourism is vital to the Welsh economy

Cardiff West MP, Kevin Brennan, is highlighting the importance of music tourism to Wales after a new report by UK Music shows the huge amount of income it generates.

The Wish You Were Here report shows that 402,000 music tourists visited Wales in 2015 to attend a live concert or music festival. These visitors generated a staggering £113 million in total for the local economy, and helped sustain 1,595 full-time jobs across Wales.

The statistics in full show how important music tourism is to Wales

  • £113 million generated by music tourism in Wales in 2015
  • 402,000 music tourists attending music events in Wales in 2015
  • 1,595 full time jobs sustained by music tourism in 2015
  • 617,000 total attendance at music events in Cardiff in 2015
  • 293,000 music tourists generated £52 million in Cardiff last year

Kevin Brennan, MP for Cardiff West said: "Cardiff’s contribution to music is immense. Not only has the city helped nurture the talents of Welsh bands like the Manic Street Preachers, Super Furry Animals and Stereophonics but venues like the Motorpoint Arena, St David’s Hall, Wales Millennium Centre and Millennium Stadium play host to live music events that bring people from all over the world to the City. I welcome UK Music’s report which highlights the huge importance of music and its impact on the tourist economy in Wales."



Jo Stevens, MP for Cardiff Central said: "Cardiff is the home to many great music venues – ranging from Clwb Ifor Bach to the Principality Stadium. I'm really pleased that our contribution to music tourism is supported in UK Music’s report. That a massive 293,000 music tourists came to our city for live events and gigs, spending £52 million is something that policy makers should acknowledge and find ways to maintain and grow."

Jo Dipple, UK Music Chief Executive said: "The appetite for live music has continued to grow. Last year overseas music tourism increased by 16%, whilst British music events were attended by a staggering 27.7 million people in 2015. What this report shows, unequivocally, is the economic value of live music to communities, cities and regions."

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