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Manchester tourism bucks economic trend

Manchester’s tourism industry now supports 81,000 jobs in the region, which new research has shown covered the worst period of the recession.

Ten Greater Manchester boroughs saw a 5% rise in the number of tourism employees between 2010 and 2011, from 77,000 to 81,000.

Across the North West, the sector supports over 268,000 jobs, and accounts for over 17% of the total contribution made by tourism to England’s economy.

Findings from Manchester’s latest Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor also showed the economic impact of the region’s tourism industry had risen from £5.8bn to £6.2bn between 2010 and 2011.

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, said: “These figures, whilst historical, make very interesting reading.

“The recession brought with it widespread job losses across the UK – but also a revival of the ‘stay-cation’ which has had a positive impact on the tourism industry.

“This was particularly true for Manchester, which saw a 22% rise in the number of domestic visitors (2.6m) – making the city the second most popular destination for Brits holidaying at home.

“Data for 2012 will be available later this year – and with both Olympic Football fixtures and the VisitEngland ‘Holidays at home are GREAT’ campaign fuelling visits to Manchester, I’m confident it will show that the industry continues to deliver for the city.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .