Warrington grows as a tourist attraction

WARRINGTON is growing in popularity – as a tourist attraction.
Latest research into the value and volume of tourism across Cheshire shows that Warrington’s tourism industry grew by 13.3 per cent last year and is now worth £433.64 million.
By contrast, the economic impact of the North West of England’s tourism industry was 3.7 per cent lower than in the previous year.
Visitors spent £24.5 million on accommodation, £15.87 million on things to see and do, £142.3 million on shopping, and £75 million on food and drink.
Warrington attracted more than 9.1 million visitors – a 13.1 per cent increase on the previous year.
The tourism industry in Warrington now employs 6002 (FTE) people directly and indirectly – 15.1 per cent higher than the previous year.
The North West as a whole employed 3.6 per cent fewer people in the tourism sector by comparison.
Cllr Terry O’Neill, leader of Warrington Borough Council (pictured) said: “The STEAM annual survey results show that Warrington’s tourism industry is growing significantly. That’s good news for business and employment. The town is undoubtedly the industrial power-house of the North West driving forward the region’s economy and generating a host of new jobs at industrial sites like Omega North. That gives a real boost to business tourism in the borough.
“At the same time, Warrington continues to develop its leisure industry with a major investment in the renovation of Walton Hall and Gardens and Bank Park, while cultural events like the Warrington Contemporary Arts Festival and the Warrington Music Festival are attracting more visitors to the town”.
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 better services for the community”.
She added: “There are lots of positive things happening in Warrington that should help to maintain the upward momentum.”
Over the next two months, the Rugby League World Cup will be bringing more people to Warrington’s Halliwell Jones stadium giving the town the opportunity to showcase its attractions and strong cultural offer.
The tournament with its international TV coverage is expected to attract visitors from across the world, and bring substantial business to the borough.
Work will start next year on two significant town centre regeneration schemes that will revitalise Warrington’s town centre.
The £52 million Bridge Street regeneration project will deliver a new market hall, multiplex cinema, restaurants and a civic centre and the £190 million Stadium Quarter scheme that will create new housing, office spaces and educational facilities.
Marketing Cheshire is also working with partners including Warrington & Co. to gain maximum benefits for the area from the International Festival of Business taking place across Merseyside in June and July 2014 as well as The Open Golf Championship to be staged at Royal Liverpool Golf Club next July.