Tourism boost for Leicestershire economy

New figures have shown that the visitor economy in Leicester and Leicestershire has grown to almost £1.25 billion. The major study, conducted during 2007, also shows an increase in the number of jobs supported by the tourism sector at just over 19,600 – an increase of over three per cent from the findings of 2006. The number of ‘overnight’ visitors to Leicester and Leicestershire has also risen by 4.3 per cent – standing now at just under 1.5 million.

The research, commissioned by emda’s tourism arm, East Midlands Tourism and conducted by Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor (STEAM), is the third major study into the economic impact of tourism at regional and county/city level and provides the most comprehensive review of the value, volume and economic impact of tourism in the East Midlands to date.

Martin Peters, Chief Executive of Leicester Shire Promotions, commented: “We are delighted with these strong performance figures for the local visitor economy in 2007. In our ongoing tourism development work across the city and county, we have a particular focus on increasing the quality of the visitor experience and growing overnight visitor stays so these figures are testament to the success of this particular strategy.

“Despite the current economic challenges for business and visitors, we have many good reasons to remain optimistic that tourism will continue to make a significant contribution to the local economy. Amongst these are the hugely successful arrival of the new Highcross Leicester retail and leisure development in the city, the forthcoming opening of the new Curve theatre, the further emergence of The National Forest in the county, the major investment at Donington Park ahead of the 2010 British Grand Prix, developments around 2012 and the Special Olympics being held in Leicester in 2009,” continued Martin.