Salford has been named the largest visitor economy contributor outside of Manchester Local Authority being valued at £1 billion.
With its unique waterfront destinations of The Quays and MediaCity, leading attractions of Lowry and RHS Garden Bridgewater blended with sporting heritage and cultural events – it has allowed it grow in popularity.
And the latest 2023 data from Marketing Manchester, who measure tourism activity through the Global Tourism Solutions (UK) STEAM model for Greater Manchester, has placed Salford as the largest visitor economy contributor outside of Manchester.
From the data, it showed that Salford’s contemporary thriving mix of modern and historic has seen a boost in Salford’s profile has seen the city become one of the fastest growing places in the North of England.
Salford saw a growth of 10 percent in total visits from 8 million from 7.3 million, as well as an increase of 42 per cent in economic impact, growing from £735.4 million to £1.05 billion.
This growth in visitors has also seen a 38 per cent increase in jobs supporting 10,100 (from 7,330).
At the heart of the city’s growth is the thriving creative and technology sector, which has grown by over 50% since 2019, created 32,000 jobs and is a major global hub to over 2,000 industry leading creative and digital businesses.
This growth in the creative and technology sector has been matched by Salford’s visitor economy, bringing new investment opportunities.
These investment opportunities have seen a 31% increase in hotels, B&Bs, bars, cafes, and restaurants in the last five years – which has strengthened the relationship between tourism and the digital industries.
Salford’s ability to draw in visitors, has also led to wealth being driven into historic and culturally significant buildings, a thriving artistic community and a diverse range of leisure opportunities, green spaces, parks, and waterways.
And as the Lowry will also have a host of celebrations for their 25th birthday, there will still be an expectation for visitors and further growth in the Salford area.
Councillor Hannah Robinson-Smith, Lead Member for Culture, Heritage, Equalities, Sports, and Leisure at Salford City Council said: “These figures are testament to the partnerships in place to promote the city and the vital role Salford plays as a key destination in the North.
“Salford’s impressive growth and regeneration has brought many benefits and a positive impact, with more jobs, new affordable and social homes, cleaner transport and a vibrant creative and cultural scene alongside local heritage assets and iconic infrastructure.”
Cllr Robinson-Smith continued: “The city is full of ambition, opportunity, and innovation, and the continued drive by the council and other partners to put the city and region on the map will ensure that these figures will keep on rising and creating a place where people want to live, work, invest and visit.”
And following this growth in success, Salford City Council have shared that they are determined to continue building on these successes and ensure more people and communities can benefit from the growing opportunities the city has to offer.
Over the next two decades Salford is forecast to experience the fastest growth in Greater Manchester, with the local economy expected to increase by over 46% with £3 billion of growth.
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