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Welsh heritage supports nearly 18,000 jobs, study estimates

Research commissioned by Cadw values the annual economic contribution at more than £738m. The estimates use mainly 2024/25 evidence, rather than a count of new jobs.

Ellie Williams · Mon 12 Oct, 02:07

Archive photograph of Caernarfon Castle, July 1994. Herbert Ortner, CC BY 4.0; cropped.

Archive: Caernarfon Castle, July 1994. Herbert Ortner / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Illustrative photograph, not taken for the study.

Original photograph CC BY 4.0

Wales’ historic environment supports nearly 18,000 jobs and contributes more than £738m a year to the economy, according to AMION research commissioned by Cadw and announced on 9 October. The study covers historic sites, museums, parks, landscapes and heritage organisations. It estimates more than 13 million annual visits to historic sites and accredited museums.

The study’s scope

2 figures

Evidence period: Mainly 2024/25
Price basis: 2026/27

Source: AMION for Cadw, Welsh Government release, 9 October 2026

What the figures measure

The evidence mainly relates to 2024/25, expressed in 2026/27 prices. These are estimates of the sector’s contribution, not new jobs created or money allocated to Cadw. The research combines organisational data, surveys and economic modelling. The Welsh Government cautions against direct comparisons with earlier valuations because the methods differ. Climate pressures, skills shortages and maintenance costs threaten the benefits it describes.

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