United v Liverpool clash sparks 100% hotel occupancy

THE clash of two of the region’s football heavyweights, Manchester United and Liverpool, pushed city centre hotels to 100% occupancy levels for the first time.

The game at Old Trafford on February 11, which the home team won 2-1,was also the same night as the Creative Crafts show at Eventcity and a Bolton Wanderers’ game at the Reebok Stadium.

The 100% occupancy was the first time that Manchester’s city centre accommodation has been fully booked since daily records began in August 2003, even during extremely popular events such as the 2011 Take That tour, the 2008 UEFA Cup Final in the city or annual events such as Manchester Pride or Manchester International Festival (MIF).

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester said: “We are by no means a city with lacking accommodation. Manchester’s city centre hotels are able to cater for tremendous amounts of visitors.

“For this reason, it comes as a huge surprise to reach 100% occupancy – and a fantastic one at that. Manchester is an extremely proud city – particularly of our sports – and this news could not come at a better time.”

February also saw a 98% rate reported for the X Factor Live Tour at the Manchester Arena (Saturday 25).