Conservatives boost Manchester hotel occupancy in October

MANCHESTER city centre hotel occupancy rates jumped to 83% in October, on the back of the Conservative Party Conference and a host of other events.

The 83% average was up considerably on 75% for the same month in 2010.  Across Greater Manchester, the average occupancy level was 81%, up from 74% in 2010

In one weekend alone Peter Kay’s performance at the MEN Arena, The Rugby Superleague final at Old Trafford, the Manchester Food and Drink Festival and the Hindu Festival helped occupancy levels reach an average of 97%.

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said: “This is fantastic news for Manchester. October is a particularly busy month for the city and key events are a big driver for the local economy. It’s great to see that visitors are making the most out their trip by staying overnight.

“Looking ahead, we’re hopeful that December will continue this success. With live events such as Sir Paul McCartney and Coldplay at the MEN Arena and the ever popular Christmas Markets; it is likely that there will be a significant demand for accommodation in the city centre.”

Manchester welcomes more than 800,000 international visitors each year. The city’s tourism industry generates £5.5bn a year for the local economy and supports 75,000 full time equivalent jobs.