Birmingham’s Christmas Market breaks visitor numbers record

NEW figures reveal record footfall in Birmingham of 5.5m during the Christmas Market period with a total spend of £397m.

Footfall is up 1.2m from two years ago according to Visit Birmingham.
 
This 28% increase in visitor numbers contributed to a consumer spend which is nearly double the £201m generated in 2012 when figures were last calculated.

The city’s hotel trade also benefited, enjoying an average occupancy rate of 84% during the Christmas Markets programme, up from 79% in 2012.
 
Birmingham’s festive offer in 2014 saw its Christmas Markets – the largest of its kind in the UK – attract visitors from across Europe.

Councillor Ian Ward, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “These record-breaking visitor numbers demonstrate the quality and wide appeal of Birmingham’s Christmas Markets.

“Our extensive festive programme has drawn visitors from across the UK and Europe, all of whom have enjoyed the city’s retail and events offer, as well as the famous Birmingham welcome.”
 
Birmingham will welcome ten of Germany’s leading conference and events organisers at the end of February to highlight its business tourism credentials.

The delegation – from eight German cities which fly directly into Birmingham Airport – will visit venues including Hilton Garden Inn, Aston Villa, Birmingham Hippodrome and Hotel du vin.
 
Emma Gray, director of marketing services at Marketing Birmingham, which operates the leisure and business tourism programmes Visit and Meet Birmingham, said: “The success of the Christmas Markets programme not only rounds off an exceptional year for Birmingham’s visitor economy, but provides a ripple effect for continued success throughout the wider region in 2015.”