Visitor numbers boost economy

MANCHESTER’S visitor economy is continuing to grow, according to the latest figures.

Data from the Manchester Monitor, put together by the New Economy think tank, shows average hotel occupancy across Greater Manchester rose by 3% to 78% in March.

In the city centre the figure was up to 81%, up 4%.

Meanwhile, Manchester Airport said 1.6 million passengers passed through last month, up 11% on the same period last year.

Dr Alexander Roy, acting deputy director of research at New Economy, said: “The continued growth of passenger numbers through Manchester Airport is one of the conurbation’s greatest economic success stories and we expect this trajectory to continue apace with new routes launching to various European destinations later in the year, as well as a route to Hong Kong from December, the only UK direct flight to China from outside London.  

“The boost in passengers is not simply flowing in one direction either, with growth in hotel occupancy demonstrating the popularity of Greater Manchester as both a business and leisure destination.”