Member Article

Tourism boom for Cheshire East boosts economy and employment

New research shows that tourism is booming in Cheshire East, despite the tough economic climate – and it is bringing in extra revenue and jobs.

The annual STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) analysis of the Borough’s visitor economy reveals that in 2013 the tourism industry grew by seven per cent and is now worth over £737m.

Headline figures for the borough show the value of the visitor economy has risen by 35 per cent since Cheshire East Council was formed in 2009, and the number of tourists has risen by 18 per cent.

A total of 13.9 million people visited the Borough last year – an increase of 5.3 per cent on 2012.

The number of people employed in the tourism sector also rose by 6.2 per cent last year to a total of 10,461 (full-time equivalent) jobs – a rise of 21.5 per cent since 2009.

A further boost was given by figures showing the number of visitors staying in the area increased by 4.3 per cent in 2013, while the number of day visitors rose by 5.4 per cent.

Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones welcomed the news and said: “Cheshire East is such a beautiful and rewarding place to visit and stay, with so much to offer people, that I must say I am not really surprised at these excellent figures.

“The fact that more and more people are being drawn to the Borough is testament not only to its obvious natural attractions and bigger visitor draws, such as Tatton Park and our other beautiful country parks, but also to the very many first-class and warmly welcoming hotels, guest houses and small businesses that support them.

“At the same time, we are investing in infrastructure to make our towns even more appealing to visitors and to improve the quality of life for residents.

“The All Change for Crewe strategy and proposals for a strategic transport and HS2 hub are set to revitalise that town over the next 20 years and improve connectivity for travellers, while Macclesfield will be enjoying a major regeneration based on its silk heritage and its leisure and retail offer.”

Other sites are attracting new high-tech businesses and generating new jobs, while Bentley is investing £800m in its car manufacturing plant that will create 1,000 new jobs.

Councillor Jones added: “Cheshire East is an attractive place to do business and these developments will undoubtedly help to boost the business tourism sector.

“Cheshire East is open for business – but it’s also open to offer people of all ages a fantastic break from the stresses of work and the hurly-burly of modern living.

“Cheshire East is simply a great place to be – and to be yourself.”

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