More tourists coming to Bury

Latest figures show that tourism is bringing more visitors, jobs and investment into the borough.

Research shows that the number of day visitors and those stayng overnight has gone up by 3% to a total of 5.4 million visits.

The report also says the economic impact of visitors to the borough rose by 9% to £289m, while employment in the tourist sector has increased by 5% to 3,962 full time equivalent jobs.

The findings are taken from the latest STEAM report (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor), which uses a large range of data including hotel occupancy rates, visitor surveys and visits to attractions. 

Councillor Jane Lewis, cabinet member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “Bury has an excellent range of visitor attractions and is well placed to benefit from people taking more trips at home with a really strong visitor offer. Attractions such as the East Lancashire Railway and the Fusilier Museum have seen a rise in visitor numbers, and the new Premier Inn has opened in Bury town centre. With our other well-known attractions such as Bury Market, we hope Bury will continue to bring in many more visitors to our fair borough.”

Across the North West, tourism generates nearly £17bn for the economy and supports 268,000 jobs.

In March, the National Tourist Board for England, VisitEngland, will launch a ‘101 Things To Do Before You Go Abroad’ app on Facebook. This will go live during English Tourism Week (16–24 March) and until 10 March you can nominate and vote for your favourite places, attractions and experiences in Bury and Greater Manchester.

So, help to spread the word about all the great things there are to do in the area by going to www.101thingstodoinengland.co.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 14 February 2013.