In its latest business results, Manchester Central has announced quarterly growth across the board in visitor figures, event bookings and venue revenue.
The 10,000-capacity venue welcomed 143,275 visitors to 40 separate events in the last three months of 2023, a 132% increase in visitors on the previous quarter, and up 50,000 on the same period in 2022. Meanwhile, total revenue for the venue in the quarter also from £3.8m to £6.6m.
The figures also showed the venue directly contributed £35.6 million to the Greater Manchester economy in the past quarter through secondary sales in hospitality and hotel bookings, from those organising and attending events at Manchester Central. The Conservative Party Conference, held at the venue in October, contributed £20m alone in economic value.
Full-year figures (Jan-Dec 2023) revealed the venue welcomed nearly half a million delegates (459,042) to a total of 156 events held on-site.
More than 85 events are already confirmed to take place at the venue in 2024 including the HYROX fitness championships last weekend, the World Snooker Championships, July’s MegaCon Live which is expected to welcome more than 15,000 attendees and international music convention, WOMEX, in October.
Manchester Central chief executive Shaun Hinds said: “Manchester is already being spotted on a global stage but I am certain that 2024 will cement its position as a UK leader in business and events.
“At Manchester Central itself, we are seeing a substantial uplift in new event enquiries, especially from events traditionally hosted in other parts of the UK, such as London and Birmingham. Businesses are quickly realising that the North is the place to be, to connect with peers and make investment deals, and we are pleased to be able to support and provide space for those companies – both national and international – who want to start hosting their conferences and events with us.
“There’s a real buzz about Manchester this year, and while we clearly are pleased with the level of interest by organisers, we also know the impact that hosting these events has on the wider economy and growth, not only of the city region but of the North West and the North overall.
“With our extraordinarily strong regional economic growth, and city leadership which continues to boost awareness and positioning, we know that the year ahead will be Manchester’s biggest year yet in terms of inbound tourism. It’s an incredibly exciting time.”
The post Manchester Central visitor numbers up 132% appeared first on EN.