Manchester hotels busier than ever

Visit Manchester’s latest hotel occupancy data shows that the city centre weekend average is at its highest since 2003 - at a rate of 92%.

In one weekend alone (8 -9 October) Peter Kay's performance at the MEN Arena, The Rugby Superleague final at Old Trafford, the Manchester Food and Drink Festival and the Hindu Festival helped occupancy levels reach an average of 97%.

The average hotel occupancy in the city centre for the entire month of October was 83%, compared to 75% for the same month in 2010.  Across Greater Manchester, the average occupancy level was 81%, up from 74% in 2010

The Conservative Party Conference at Manchester Central also contributed to this monthly average.

Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said: "This is fantastic news for Manchester. October is a particularly busy month for the city and key events are a big driver for the local economy. It's great to see that visitors are making the most out their trip by staying overnight.

"Looking ahead, we're hopeful that December will continue this success. With live events such as Sir Paul McCartney and Coldplay at the MEN Arena and the ever popular Christmas Markets; it is likely that there will be a significant demand for accommodation in the city centre."

Manchester welcomes more than 800,000 international visitors each year. The city's tourism industry generates £5.5 billion a year for the local economy and supports 75,000 full time equivalent jobs.

Hotel occupancy in Greater Manchester is measured through the STR Global occupancy tool.

For more information about what to see and do in Manchester, check out: www.visitmanchester.com

ENDS