Salford undergoes tourism boost

Salford's Buile Hill Park hosts Proms In The Park once again

Tourists flocked to Salford in record numbers last year, according to council calculations.

Sites including The Lowry arts centre, Ordsall Hall and Salford Lads Club helped pull in 7.2 million visitors - an increase of 504,000 from 2007.

And those lingering in the city spent £420m between them, according to an economic impact report.

Tourism bosses said projects such as MediaCity, the BBC's new northern base, could raise the city's profile further.

Salford's largest ticketed event, BBC Proms in the Park, was a key highlight in 2008, attracting thousands of visitors.

Salford is full of history and is a great example of how a city can use its heritage to help build an exciting and vibrant future Councillor Barry Warner, Salford City Council

It is hoped the 2009 concert, to be held at Buile Hill Park on 12 September, will repeat the success.

Attractions in nearby Trafford such as the Imperial War Museum North and Manchester United's stadium may have also drawn visitors over the border.

Councillor Barry Warner, Salford's City Council's tourism spokesman, said: "Salford has many hidden tourism gems that have been big players in helping to attract people to the city.

"Ordsall Hall is one of these gems and its multi-million pound restoration will help ensure the continued growth of our tourism sector.

"Salford is full of history and is a great example of how a city can use its heritage to help build an exciting and vibrant future."

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