Tourism spend rose in 2008
Revenue generated by holidaymakers and day-trippers in the region increased marginally in 2008 despite the downturn, according to NWDA research.
An estimated £14.3bn was generated by visitors to and within the region, an increase of 1% compared to 2007, the North West Development Agency said.
Greater Manchester accounted for 39% of regional tourism revenue. Lancashire and Blackpool was the next biggest market with 21% of the regional take. Merseyside, which enjoyed Liverpool's European Capital of Culture tenure during 2008, rose from 17% in 2007 to take 20% of regional tourism spend.
Other findings include:
- Day visitors accounted for 90% of trips and 63% of spend
- Economic impact of tourism greatest in Cumbria, 10.2% of county GVA
- Restaurants, cafes, bars accounted for one-third of profit, or value added, at £1.25bn
- Total profit/value added: £3.7bn
- Average business trip spend £83.20
- Average day tripper spend £29.14
- North West third most popular destination after South West and South East
The report published today also lists the most popular individual attractions around the North West, dominated by venues in Liverpool during its big year:
- Chester Zoo, 1.26m visitors in 2008
- Windermere Lake Cruises, Bowness, South Lakeland, 1.20m
- Tate Liverpool, 1.09m
- Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool, 1.02m
- Liverpool Museum, 0.79m
- Tatton Park, Macclesfield, 0.77m
- International Slavery Museum, Liverpool, 0.41m
- The Walker, Liverpool, 0.40m
- Manchester Art Gallery, 0.39m
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool, 0.36m
Source: Visit England
- For a full copy of the report visit the NWDA online library.
