High-speed rail-links from London and Manchester to Birmingham would have a ‘tremendous impact’ on Birmingham’s economy with visitor numbers already up 13% in five years, its marketing brand has said.
Neil Rami, chief executive of Marketing Birmingham said that with 32.8 million people visiting the city in five years, contributing £4.6bn to local economy, Rami is confident the accessibility will improve domestic and international visitation and although it will take another 14 years until it opens, other connection developments are taking place in the city.
“The Birmingham area is already very successful in attracting both business and leisure visitors, but we need greater accessibility both to and within the city to boost these numbers even further,” he explained. “The speed and convenience of high speed rail – plus other investments in the region such as the regeneration of New Street Station, Birmingham Airport’s redevelopment and the extension of Midland Metro – will make it much easier for local, national and international travellers to visit the region, which will help to attract more consumer spending and business investment here”.
Aside from transportation, the city’s bedbank is also increasing with 27 hotel openings in the pipeline and 30,000 rooms currently in the city. In addition, consumer and trade events at the NEC are said to already generate more than 3m visitors each year, with 70% form outside the West Midlands and 10% outside of the UK.
“These two venues create 25,000 jobs and generate £1.8 billion economic impact – so with time being one of the most precious commodities, if it’s easier and faster to get to us, then this is a great advantage,” said Paul Thandi, CEO of NEC Group.
