We commission surveys and collate survey data from different sources. These help us identify what is happening to access, recreation, diversity, visitor management and sustainable tourism in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Survey 2022
The National Park 2022 visitor survey reveals satisfaction levels amongst people visiting the Dales at their highest since the survey began in 2002.
The survey also reveals how more people came to the National Park last year to enjoy a walk and to socialise, suggesting that reconnecting with family and friends while enjoying the landscape and scenery has been important for visitors post-pandemic.
2022 Visitor Survey – full report
Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Honeypot Survey 2022
A separate survey conducted during the summer by the National Park Authority looked indepth at five ‘honey pot’ sites (Grassington, Malham. Hawes, Reeth and Aysgarth Falls). It revealed differences in visitor demographics and ethnicity across the sites, with Malham appealing more to younger visitors – one in three visitors here were aged 44 or under compared to one in five visitors at Grassington, Reeth and Aysgarth Falls – and attracting the most ethnically diverse visitor profile.
One in 10 visitors to Malham indicated they were from a Black, Asian or ethnic minority group, with these groups increasingly recommending Malham to their friends and family so that they can experience this stunning landscape for themselves.
During the pandemic, Aysgarth Falls proved a popular destination for first time visitors to the Dales. Two years on, Aysgarth Falls continues to attract just over a third (36%) of first-time visitors, much more than any other site, with Malham 26% and Reeth 11%. Reeth is more popular with repeat visitors.
2022 Visitor ‘Honeypot’ Survey – full report
Trends in tourism in the Yorkshire Dales 2022
Monitoring of trends in visitor numbers and the amount they spend is carried out annually using the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM) model.
In 2022, the Yorkshire Dales National Park received a total of 6.63 million visitor days. These visitors contributed £427 million to the local economy.
This is a summary of the annual tourism economic impact research undertaken for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority for the calendar year 2022.
Here you can find a summary of the final trend Steam report with the key facts.
Summary:
Trends 2019 – 2022
- Economic Impact +14%
- 6.63 million Visitor Days and Nights generated by Visitors in 2022
- Total Visitor Days and Nights +1.3%
Trends 2021 – 2022
- Economic Impact +37.5%
- 6.63 million Visitor Days and Nights generated by Visitors in 2022
- Total Visitor Days and Nights +27.5%
Previous surveys conducted
Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Survey 2020
Visitor surveys conducted over the 2020 summer months show a change demographics and gives insight into the perceptions of our visitors.
During this period data indicates visitors came mainly from urban areas on the edge of the National Park. We have noticed a rise in the number first time visitors with 20% saying their first ever visit to the Dales was in 2020 (14% in 2017). It has also shown an increase in younger people, and people from different ethnic backgrounds visiting.
Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Survey 2017
During 2017 we surveyed more than 600 visitors to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We wanted to find out the demographic profile and satisfaction of visitors to the National Park, as well as how they plan their trip. For the first time this includes sites in the extension area.
Tour de France Business Survey 2014
During 2014 over 150 businesses completed this survey to help us found out the impact the Tour De France had on businesses in the area.
Dales Tourism Business Survey 2012
During 2012, we asked 132 businesses of varying size and geographical location their views and opinions. As the first survey of this type we can’t compare the information to any previous findings. It does, however, form a base for future actions.
If you require any more information please contact the Tourism team.