Member Article

Visitor economy growth continues for Warrington and Cheshire

The value and volume of tourism across Cheshire and Warrington continues to grow - with major sporting events such as the Rugby League World Cup set to boost revenue still further.

The annual STEAM analysis of the area’s visitor economy shows that in 2012 Warrington’s tourism industry grew by 13.3% by comparison with the previous year and is now worth £433.64 million.

By contrast, the economic impact of the North West of England’s tourism industry was 3.7% lower in 2012 than in the previous year.

Last year, visitors spent £24.5 million on accommodation, £15.87 million on things to see and do, £142.3 million on shopping, and £75 million on food and drink.

The borough attracted over 9.1 million visitors in 2012, a 13.1% increase on the previous year, the tourism industry in Warrington now employs 6002 (FTE) people directly and indirectly, 15.1% higher than the previous year.

The North West employed 3.6% fewer people in the tourism sector by comparison

Councillor Terry O’Neill, Leader of Warrington Borough Council said:“The STEAM annual survey results show that Warrington’s tourism industry is growing significantly. That’s good news for business and employment. The town is undoubtedly the industrial power-house of the North West driving forward the region’s economy and generating a host of new jobs at industrial sites like Omega North. That gives a real boost to business tourism in the borough.

At the same time, Warrington continues to develop its leisure industry with a major investment in the renovation of Walton Hall and Gardens and Bank Park, while cultural events like the Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival and the Warrington Music Festival are attracting more visitors to the town“.

Marketing Cheshire’s Chief Executive, Katrina Michel said:“We welcome the latest independent evaluation on the visitor economy.

“The area continues to enjoy a steady growth in the value and volume of the tourism industry which now provides employment for a substantial number of people. We are committed to developing the full potential of the visitor economy to generate more jobs, greater prosperity and better services for the community”.

She added: “There are lots of positive things happening in Warrington that should help to maintain the upward momentum.

October and November bring matches from the Rugby League World Cup 2013 to Warrington’s Halliwell Jones stadium giving the town the opportunity to showcase its attractions and strong cultural offer.

The tournament with its international TV coverage is expected to attract visitors from across the world, and bring substantial business to the borough.

Work will start next year two significant town centre regeneration schemes that will revitalise Warrington’s town centre. The £52 million Bridge Street regeneration project that will deliver a new market hall, multiplex cinema, restaurants and a civic centre and the £190 million Stadium Quarter scheme that will create new housing, office spaces and educational facilities“.

Marketing Cheshire is also working with partners including Warrington & Co. to gain maximum benefits for the area from the International Festival of Business taking place across Merseyside in June and July 2014 as well as The Open Golf Championship to be staged at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in July 2014.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .