Tourism across Cheshire East now worth almost £700 million

 

Cheshire East’s tourism is now estimated to be worth almost £700 million having grown nearly 10% last year, according to a report just published.

The annual STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor) analysis of the area’s visitor economy shows that in 2012, industry grew by 9% by comparison with the previous year and is now worth £689 million.

The latest research shows the value and volume of tourism across Cheshire and Warrington and outlines Cheshire East’s success.

By contrast, the economic impact of the North West of England’s tourism industry was 3.7% lower in 2012 than in the previous year.

Last year, visitors to Cheshire East spent over £69 million on accommodation, over £24 million on things to see and do, £206 million on shopping, and £112 million on food and drink with the self-catering sector in rural areas also showing significant growth.

The tourism industry in Cheshire East now employs 9,849 (FTE) people directly and indirectly, up 10.5% on the previous year, and the area attracted well over 13 million visitors in 2012, a 9.4% increase on 2011. The North West employed 3.6% fewer people in the tourism sector by comparison

Cllr Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said “The latest research shows that our tourism industry continues its upward path, delivering direct economic growth and providing the quality of place that people want to invest in. Cheshire East is a beautiful place to live and work and I’m delighted we are attracting visitors.

“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 is set to revitalise that town over the next 20 years and improve access for rail travellers, while Macclesfield will be enjoying a major regeneration based on its silk heritage and its retail offer.

“Other sites are attracting new high-tech businesses and generating new jobs, while Bentley is investing £800 million in its car manufacturing plant that will create 1000 new jobs.

“Cheshire East is an attractive place to do business and these developments will undoubtably help to boost the business tourism sector”.

Marketing Cheshire’s Chief Executive, Katrina Michel said:“We welcome the latest independent evaluation on the visitor economy.

“The area continues to enjoy strong growth in the value and volume of the tourism industry which now provides employment for a substantial number of people.

“We are committed to developing the full potential of the visitor economy to generate more jobs, greater prosperity and better services for the community.”