Sport and musical attractions help drive hotel occupancy to pre-pandemic levels

Occupancy in Manchester’s hotels soared to 75% in June and July due to a strong sporting and music schedule, the latest figures from the Manchester Hoteliers’ Association have revealed.

MHA chairman, Adrian Ellis, said the increased levels were higher than pre-pandemic figures.

Among the musical acts to have visited the city recently were The Killers, Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran and Alicia Keys, as well as the return of PARKLIFE Festival resulting in hotels being fully booked following a challenging two years on the back of COVID-19.

The city has also welcomed the 2022 Women’s Euros competitions with two matches played at Old Trafford.

Adrian said hotels have benefited from an influx of visitors, as has the rest of the city, especially restaurants and bars.

He said: “Some of the city’s largest venues such as Emirates Old Trafford, AO Arena, Old Trafford and Etihad have hosted a number of events this last month.

“It has been great to see such an array of visitors from around the globe to see special musical talent as well as the return of the hugely popular PARKLIFE Festival.”

He added: “The success of the Lionesses at this year’s Euros has also brought a wide range of visitors into the city to the fan zone in Piccadilly Gardens, all hugely beneficial to the hospitality industry across Manchester.”

And he said he is “incredibly optimistic” about the future influx of visitors to Manchester especially with the return of the football season this month and the PRIDE Festival, which will bring in further business across the city.