WARRINGTON’S popularity as a centre for tourism is growing, according to the annual analysis of the area’s visitor economy.
The report shows that in 2013 Warrington’s tourism industry grew by 3.2 per cent by comparison with the previous year and is now worth £447.4 million.
Last year, visitors spent £28.63 million on accommodation, £19.79 million on things to see and do, £177.04 million on shopping, and £94.13 million on food and drink.
The borough of Warrington attracted over 9.23 million visitors in 2013 and the tourism industry in Warrington now employs 6,154 (FTE) people 
directly and indirectly.
It is a far cry from the days when the town’s reputation was such that the Vladivar vodka brand was able to get nationwide publicity with a spoof competition offering a week’s holiday in Warrington as first prize and two weeks as second prize!
Cllr Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council said: “The annual survey results show that Warrington’s tourism industry sector is growing steadily which is good news for business and employment.
“For too long Warrington has been a hidden jewel in the North West and it is great to see that more and more visitors are discovering our superb parks, villages and historic treasures.
“We’ve lots going on. The new Cabinet of Curiosities at Warrington Museum and Art Gallery is proving hugely popular with residents and visitors around the town and our programme of cultural events like the Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival and Litfest continues to grow attracting more visitors to the town”.
Cllr O’Neill said the town’s parks and green spaces were hugely important to the look of the borough and to the wellbeing of residents and a major investment and improvement programme was underway to protect these assets.
Marketing Cheshire’s chief executive, Katrina Michel said:“We welcome the latest independent evaluation on the visitor economy.
“The area continues to enjoy a steady 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 a better quality for the community”.
She added: “There are lots of positive things happening in Warrington that should help to maintain the positive momentum.”
Picture: Cllr O’Neill at Warrington’s famous Golden Gates.
Warrington – a hotspot for tourism
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
