Skip to content

City tourism worth more than £450m in 2023

Vicky BreakwellBBC News, England
News imageCity of Wolverhampton Council The front of the Grand Theatre lit up pink at night, there are two tries on either side with lights in the branchesCity of Wolverhampton Council
The figure reflected the strong offer provided by the city’s major visitor venues, including the Grand Theatre, the council said.

New figures suggest Wolverhampton attracted more than 10 million visitors in 2023.

The data, compiled by independent tourism research body Global Tourism Solutions and West Midlands Growth Company, showed the city’s visitor economy was worth £458m, up 12.8% from the previous year.

The report has been welcomed by City of Wolverhampton Council.

Councillor Chris Burden said: “The council’s city centre transformation works are creating better public spaces that will attract more visitors which is great news for high street businesses."

News imageCity of Wolverhampton Council Vistors queuing alongside crowd barriers outside the entrance to the venue, some are looking at their phones. A man ans a woman look on as they pass in the opposite directionCity of Wolverhampton Council
The new-look University of Wolverhampton at the Halls entertained more than 200,000 fans across 133 events in its first year after reopening in May 2023.

The figures also showed the number of jobs supported by direct and indirect tourism activities rose by 5.6%, from the equivalent of 4,310 to 4,553 full-time posts.

The council said it had invested or secured investment for more than £100m of projects supporting the visitor economy.

These included the new transport interchange, aimed at better connecting visitors to the city, and works to create events spaces and improve the city environment.

Mr Burden said: “Giving visitors reasons to stay longer and support local businesses is a priority for the council."

The data was part of wider figures for the West Midlands, showing growth across the region.

News imageCity of Wolverhampton Council A crowded city centre street with brightly coloured bunting. Some people are carrying Pride flags, some are carrying banners, most are wearing bright coloured clothesCity of Wolverhampton Council
Wolverhampton Pride was part of the council’s annual events programme.
Related internet links