Wales’ story is often told through our landscapes, townscapes and in the countless historic buildings and ancient monuments that are all around us.
According to major new research published today [Friday 9 October], these historic places, known as the ‘historic environment’, support nearly 18,000 jobs and contribute more than £738 million to the nation’s economy every year.
The study, carried out independently by AMION for Cadw (the Welsh Government’s service which cares for some of the country’s beloved historic places) examined the economic, social and wider value generated by historic sites, museums, parks, landscapes and heritage organisations across Wales.
It estimated that not only does the historic environment support jobs for tens of thousands and contributes almost three quarters of £1 billion to the Welsh economy every year, but there are more than 13 million visits made annually to historic sites and accredited museums.
Beyond the economic impacts, the study found that the sector generates more than £107 million of social value each year through volunteering, visits, education and community engagement.
Across Wales, volunteers contribute more than 902,000 hours to heritage annually, generating an estimated £9.8 million in wellbeing value.
The research also explored the value people place on heritage even when they do not visit sites themselves, finding that many expressed pride simply from knowing historic places continue to thrive.
The study highlights a wider shift across the sector towards inclusion and accessibility, exemplified by Cadw's £1 ticket initiative for people receiving Universal Credit, which has allowed significant numbers of first-time visitors.
For further information please select the following link: Research reveals true scale of heritage's role in Welsh jobs, economy and communities | GOV.WALES.