Tourism has many benefits for Wakefield – it strengthens our local economy, sustains successful businesses and creates jobs. It plays an important role in helping our city and towns thrive and contributes to the quality of life of our local communities.

After an intensive engagement process with representatives from across the district’s tourism and hospitality sector, Wakefield Council and tourism partners have launched a new Destination Management Plan. The shared plan will pave the way for Wakefield to overcome some of the challenges it faces and make the most of all its tourism assets – present and future – by setting out what it needs to do to become a must-visit cultural destination by 2029.

Key aims of the plan include:

1. Working in partnership with the tourism and hospitality sector to achieve increased spend from visitors by extending stays and creating new and sustainable experiences.

2. Raising awareness of the Wakefield district as the sculpture capital of the UK and cultural gateway to the north.

3. Ensuring the district’s infrastructure is ready for growth, that visitors feel welcome and can easily find the information they need to have a positive experience during their visit, creating a desire to return.