More and more people are visiting Cheshire East as recent figures show that the value of tourism is up by six per cent and is now worth over £578m to the local economy.
The latest data, which relates to 2010, shows the Borough now attracts almost 12 million visitors a year and tourism supports almost 8,700 full-time jobs.
The largest increase in activity is in the number of people who decide to extend their visit with an overnight stay.
This part of the market has increased by a remarkable 17 per cent in Cheshire East, equating to around 1.2 million overnight visitors a year.
The data was compiled using the Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM). This is a nationally recognised benchmark that uses a range of sources including hotel occupancy rates, room rates, surveys and footfall figures for tourist attractions and visitor information centres.
Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “These figures are excellent news and they show that the strong focus the Council has placed on the visitor economy is starting to pay dividends.
“To achieve the target set out on our dedicated visitor economy strategy would require an increase of 2.8 per cent a year – this makes an annual increase of six per cent all the more impressive.”
“With beautiful countryside, charming market towns and a rich heritage Cheshire East has a lot to offer tourists and we will continue in our efforts to market the Borough as a visitor destination.
“In delivering the visitor economy strategy, Cheshire East Council works closely with businesses and partner organisations to actively grow and promote the visitor offer, while also investing in places like Tatton Park and the new visitor information centre at Macclesfield.”
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