New figures reveal Sefton’s visitor economy is now worth £717m a year with visitor numbers rising by 3.1% in 2025. Tony McDonough reports
Almost 7.8m people visited Sefton in 2025, new figures show, with the borough’s visitor economy now worth £717m a year – 5% higher than the previous year.
A few days ago LBN revealed visitor numbers rose 7.8% in Liverpool city region in 2025 with tourism and the visitor economy now worth almost £7bn a year across all six boroughs.
More than seven million day visits were made to Sefton during 2025, an increase of 3.3%, while the number of staying visitors rose by 1.1% to approximately 760,000.
Tourism also supported an estimated 6,160 jobs across the borough, demonstrating the sector’s continuing importance to Sefton’s economy, businesses and communities, according to data from Sefton Council.
This growth follows another memorable year for Sefton’s visitor offer, with residents and visitors enjoying events including the Southport Air Show, Southport Flower Show, Southport Food and Drink Festival and the British Musical Fireworks Championship.
In Bootle, Salt & Tar continued to strengthen its position as one of the Liverpool City Region’s most exciting cultural venues, hosting a varied programme of live music, festivals and community events.
Summer weather also helped showcase Sefton’s 22 miles of coastline including its beaches and natural landscapes. Ainsdale Beach remains a popular destination with a regeneration plan now in motion at the location.
Visitors were also drawn to Antony Gormley’s Another Place, The Atkinson, Southport Market and the borough’s nature reserves and golf courses. Figures for 2026 are set to rise even higher after The Open golf championship at Royal Birkdale.
Cllr Paulette Lappin, Sefton Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills, said: “These are fantastic figures for Sefton and a real vote of confidence in everything our borough has to offer.
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“A visitor economy worth more than £700m makes an enormous contribution to Sefton. It supports thousands of jobs, brings vital spending into local businesses and helps create opportunities in communities right across the borough.
“I want to thank all the businesses, event organisers, hospitality workers, volunteers and council officers whose hard work helps visitors enjoy such a positive experience here on our coast.”