CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE WORTH £24.6M TO GREATER MANCHESTER

The Conservative Party Conference at Manchester Central later this month will generate £24.6m for the local economy in Greater Manchester, according to a report from Marketing Manchester.

According to the opinions expressed below, it seems that it is Manchester City centre businesses that will be the main beneficiaries although we hope that there may be some positive effect within the Greater Manchester area.

The conference, which runs from Sunday, 29 September to Wednesday, 2 October, will be the Party’s third in Manchester since 2009.

It is expected to attract around 12,000 delegates – many of whom will spend three nights in one of the city-region’s hotels or serviced apartments.

Hotels, restaurants and bars will also benefit from the extensive programme of fringe events, which will take place across the city.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said:

“Manchester has firmly established itself as a major conference destination and we are pleased that the Conservatives have chosen to return to our great city. Large scale conferences such as this represent a significant boost to the city in both economic and reputational terms. I am glad that thousands of delegates will get the chance to see what Manchester has to offer.”

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, said:

“In addition to the media coverage political party conferences attract – which helps boost the profile of the city around the world – there is also a very real, financial benefit to local businesses in terms of the money spent by delegates, exhibitors and their service partners.”

Angie Robinson, chief executive of Manchester Central, said:

“We pride ourselves on hosting events that have the best possible impact on the city. 12,000 delegates will hugely benefit Manchester’s hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. All eyes will be on Manchester Central and we are looking forward to once again providing our world class service.

Business tourism generates £822m a year for the Greater Manchester economy. It supports the city’s £6.6bn tourism industry, which attracts over one million international visitors a year and supports 84,000 jobs.

Source: Marketing Manchester