The Hadrian’s Wall Partnership Board, which manages and promotes the UNESCO World Heritage Site, reported sustained annual visitor numbers at key attractions.
A number of the region’s most popular attractions saw either stable or increased footfall.
This includes the Roman Army Museum at Greenhead, which recorded a 15 per cent year-on-year increase.
Hadrian’s Wall Country also noted a rise in visitors using public transport, with an 11 per cent and 12.85 per cent increase in passenger numbers along the dedicated Go North East AD122 bus route and the Tyne Valley Railway system respectively.
This news comes a year after the Sycamore Gap tree was felled, sparking fears of a negative impact on the area’s tourism economy.
The visitor numbers are buoyed by ongoing investment in tourism infrastructure which aims to boost the visitor experience across Hadrian’s Wall Country.
This investment includes a £9 million allocation from the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal to develop visitor attractions and improve existing infrastructure.
Lady Jane Gibson, chairwoman of the Hadrian’s Wall Partnership Board, said: “We’re delighted to report that attractions and businesses across Hadrian’s Wall Country are continuing to see strong visitor numbers, with many thousands of people coming to experience what the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the wider area has to offer, all year round.
“Like many, we were deeply saddened by the felling at Sycamore Gap and were concerned for the communities, businesses, and attractions here.
“However, this latest visitor data demonstrates the resilience of Hadrian’s Wall Country and reflects the appeal of our visitor offer.”
Dr Andrew Birley, CEO of the Vindolanda Trust, said: “We’re pleased that attractions across Hadrian’s Wall Country have continued to show strong, sustained visitor figures.
“The Roman Army Museum and Vindolanda has seen this positive impact.”
Jordan Dodwell, executive chef and owner of the Greenhead Hotel, Brampton, added: “The investment being made into the key visitor sites is crucial – not only for preserving the integrity of this ancient structure but also for supporting the local economy.
“It’s great to see the community benefiting from increased footfall, with more opportunities for small businesses like us.”