81,000 jobs now supported by tourism in Greater Manchester

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Eighty one thousand jobs are now supported by tourism in Greater Manchester, new research for the period which covered the height of the recession now shows.

Figures for the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester show that, from 2010 to 2011, the number of people employed in the industry rose from 77,000 to 81,000.

The research also shows that, during the same period, the economic impact of tourism to the local economy was £6.2bn, up £400m from £5.8bn.

The findings come from the city’s latest STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) report – which uses a range of data sources to estimate this value, including: hotel occupancy rates, available bedstock, room rates, visitor surveys, visits to attractions and visitors to the city’s Visitor Information Centres.

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.”

Across the North West, tourism generates £16.96bn for the economy and supports over 268,000 jobs. This forms part of the £97bn economic impact and 2.2m jobs supported in the industry across England.

English Tourism Week takes place in March (16 – 24) to celebrate the quality, vibrancy and value of the industry to England. (www.englishtourismweek.co.uk)