Unlocking the Value of-24-Hours Cities 2025

The case for a 24-hour economy1 In recent years, the night-time economy has evolved into a consolidated area of practice. In the United Kingdom (UK), it contributed an estimated 4.1% of GDP in 2022, generating £93.7 billion in revenue and employing one in nine people in some regions.2 In Ghana, a 24-hour economy strategy is projected to boost real GDP by over 31% within a decade and generate more than three million jobs in its first five years, particularly in manufacturing, agriculture, trade, construction and transport.3 At the global level, the nocturnal tourism market is projected to grow from $9.4 billion in 2024 to $24.8 billion by 2035, reflecting a strong compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%, driven by increasing demand for night-time experiences.4 Reflecting this upward trend, over 80 cities around the world have introduced night-time governance roles, from night mayors to dedicated teams focused on managing life after dark.5 These roles point to a transition towards integrated 24-hour strategies that support economic activities, social inclusion and long-term resilience.6 CASE STUDY 1 New York City Office of Nightlife The Office of Nightlife (ONL) was created in 2017 to serve as the central liaison between nightlife businesses, communities and city agencies, replacing an outdated law-enforcement approach to manage this sector in “the city that doesn’t sleep”. Part of the Department of Small Business Services (SBS), ONL acts as a bridge between nightlife ecosystems and municipal governance, supporting an industry that generates over $35 billion in economic activity and sustains nearly 300,000 jobs. Through its dedicated team, ONL coordinates services and policies that promote safe, equitable and sustainable nightlife, such as: –MASH (Multi Agency Support for Hospitality): Streamlines permitting and agency interaction. –MEND NYC: Mediates disputes between businesses and  neighbourhoods. –ELEVATE: Provides mental health and well-being resources for nightlife workers. –NARCAN Behind Every Bar: Runs opioid overdose prevention initiatives. –NITE School: Conducts free webinars on harm reduction, business strategies and compliance. Source: New York City Office of Nightlife7. The global pandemic acted as a stark reminder of the limits of time-bound governance. As activity patterns shifted and stretched through lockdowns and temporary curfews, many cities realized how inflexible urban systems and infrastructure had become. In response, networks of night-time officers formed rapidly – often through informal channels like WhatsApp groups and international webinars – to share crisis responses in real time. Collaborative knowledge-sharing networks and a Global Nighttime Recovery Plan emerged to document best practices and coordinate efforts to safely reopen night scenes around the world.8Aside from COVID-19, social trends have also redefined expectations for the night. There is a growing cultural shift towards more intentional, in-person and health-conscious forms of leisure. For instance, hybrid venues like bathhouses are re-emerging as social and cultural hubs, blending electronic music, wellness and community.9 Music festivals are increasingly being designed as holistic retreats, integrating elements like yoga, mental health workshops and sustainable living. These evolving preferences challenge cities to support night- time economies that are not only vibrant and creative, but also restorative and inclusive. 4 Unlocking the Potential of 24-Hour Economies