26 Aug 2025
More jobs created in Suffolk and Norfolk visitor economy in 2024
More people than ever are working in Suffolk and Norfolk's visitor economy as the sector grows to a record value.
Figures released by Visit East of England, which runs the Suffolk and Norfolk Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), show that in 2024 the tourism industry employed more than 120,000 people, equating to 21% of all employment in Norfolk and 15% in Suffolk.
At the same time, the value of the sector rose by 7% in both counties, up to £3.6bn in Norfolk and £2.3bn in Suffolk.
The total value of tourism in the two counties is now £5.9bn – taking it above the previous high mark of £5.5bn in 2019, pre-Covid.
Staying nights were up in both counties, 2% in Norfolk and 5% in Suffolk, although there was a slight drop in staying trips. Overnight trip value increased by 12% in Norfolk and 6% in Suffolk.
The UK experienced the coolest summer since 2015, the wettest Spring since 1986 and a wet September and Autumn, which may have deterred some visitors.
'These figures demonstrate that the tourism sector can grow employment quickly, despite tough trading conditions,' said Visit East of England Executive Director Pete Waters. 'The visitor economy can be a primary driver of economic growth and regeneration, working in partnership.'
'As we continue to lay foundations for the Suffolk and Norfolk LVEP, we'll keep a clear focus on converting day trippers to stay visitors, spreading demand seasonally and geographically across the two counties, and changing the narrative that the sector is seasonal, low-skilled and low paid to one that provides great career opportunities.'
