A new report shows that visitor trips across East and West Sussex (excluding Brighton and Hove) generated more than £4 billion in 2024.
The Economic Impact of Tourism in East and West Sussex report, published by Experience Sussex, reveals that 50.6 million visitor trips brought in more than £4.06 billion for the region’s economy.
Overnight visitors contributed £1.384 billion from 5.4 million stays, while 45.1 million day-trippers generated £1.599 billion.
Councillor Garry Wall, West Sussex County Council’s cabinet member for economic development, said: “Sussex has a world class offer with some of the finest places to visit, stay, and experience in the UK.”
The report also highlights a 21 per cent rise in overseas visitors staying compared to the previous year.
A total of 911,000 international overnight guests contributed £356.5 million to the local economy.
Mr Wall said: “This latest report underlines the vital role that Experience Sussex plays in driving economic growth through attracting international visitors and encouraging more overnight stays.
“By doing this, we can boost and disperse valuable visitor spend across a wide range of businesses and local destinations.
“Experience Sussex supports West Sussex County Council’s plan to build a sustainable, thriving economy by showcasing the best of our region, from Selsey to Rye, and from the coast up to the Downs and the Weald, to the whole world.”
Experience Sussex, the official visitor economy development programme for East and West Sussex, is co-funded by both county councils.
The programme offers free business support to tourism-related businesses across the region, including marketing, training, networking, and signposting to grants and funding.
Councillor Penny di Cara, East Sussex County Council’s lead member for economy, said: “It is hugely encouraging to see the growth in overseas visitor numbers and their overnight stays to Sussex last year, and the important contribution this makes to the region’s economy.
“This report highlights the success of Experience Sussex in harnessing the Sussex brand, supporting the visitor economy, and boosting other tourism marketing work across the region as well as the programme’s ongoing work to attract high spending visitors to the area.”
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