MANCHESTER PREPARED FOR POST-COVID RECOVERY IN 2021
Manchester ’ s £ 862m business tourism sector will be vital in rebuilding the city ’ s economy
ver the last ten years , business tourism to Greater Manchester has increased by 50 %, generating £ 862m for the local economy annually and supporting over 35,000 jobs .
Manchester ’ s compelling proposition has been key to this success . The city ’ s flagship convention centre , Manchester Central , is uniquely positioned in the heart of the city , with over 10,600 hotel rooms on its doorstep and surrounded by bars , restaurants and cultural attractions .
With direct trains from London taking just over two hours , over 200 direct flights to Manchester Airport , a tram network linking the city-region , and free electric shuttle buses looping the city , Manchester is easy to reach and get around .
With over £ 300m of investment committed to the region , major cultural projects are set to complete from 2021 and beyond , offering business visitors the opportunity to extend their stay , with new openings including : Europe ’ s largest garden project at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford ; the opening of a special exhibitions gallery at the Science and Industry Museum ; and completion of The Factory , a new world-class arts and culture centre for the North of England .
Manchester Central hosts a packed programme of international conferences , trade shows and business meetings , welcoming around 500,000 visitors to the city each year . For every £ 1 spent at the venue , £ 5 is spent in the wider city-region , with the venue contributing £ 150m to the local economy every year .
“ As the sector recovers from
Covid-19 , collaboration will be key to getting the industry back up and running ”, says Sheona Southern , managing director at Marketing Manchester , the region ’ s destination marketing organisation and convention bureau , “ working with Manchester Central and other partners across the region , we are ready with a Covid-recovery strategy and our five-year business tourism plan . Greater Manchester is on the cusp of exciting new developments , and we must now look to seize the opportunity to grow business tourism in a post-Covid future .”
Shaun Hinds , CEO of Manchester Central , currently home to NHS Nightingale North West hospital , adds : “ The value of business events to our economies cannot be underestimated . The economic impact figures speak for themselves , but the true value of business done , ideas generated and the ability to connect with people face-to-face is what makes being part of a live event so significant .
“ Business events will be absolutely key to our regional and www . conference-news . co . uk