Coventry reports City of Culture boost

Coventry’s visitor economy recorded a large increase in its economic value in 2021, while the city was UK City of Culture, new research indicates.

Research commissioned by destination management organisation Destination Coventry calculated the economic impact of tourism in the city using a model that takes into account attractions footfall, car park usage, festival and event statistics, and hotel market data.

It found Coventry’s visitor economy increased to a value of £495m in 2021, an increase of £265m compared with 2020.

The city attracted 8.2 million visitors during 2021, a 103% increase on 2020 levels. Wider figures for the West Midlands Combined Authority region found a 72% year-on-year increase in visitors for the area.

“It is easy to forget that at the start of 2021 we were still in Covid-19 restrictions, as a matter of fact the first UK City of Culture event was held when restrictions were still in place,” Destination Coventry Managing Director Paul Jones said.

“So, to have recovered to this extent is excellent and the figures featured in this latest economic impact report are certainly something the tourism sector in Coventry should be proud of.”

Corin Crane, Chief Executive of Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “Events such as City of Culture have set the foundations for success here in Coventry and now it’s up to us to capitalise and keep that momentum going.”