Tourism millions keep on rolling in

SOUTHPORT’S tourism economy is growing, according to new figures.

A total of 184 new jobs have been created in the sector within the last year, with tourism across Sefton now worth nearly £500m to the local economy.

A City Region visitor survey and statistics from the STEAM tourism indicator has revealed that tourism throughout the borough is continuing to grow.

The STEAM (Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Model) is produced annually by Global Tourism solutions and is commissioned in partnership through the LEP, along with the other districts.

The key findings of the Sefton 2015 report reveal:

Total economic impact of £498.08m (increase of +5.7% since the 2014 result of £471.09m);

Total visitor numbers 8.65m (increase of +4.5% since the 2014 result of 8.27m);

Total employment 6,340 (increase of +3% since 2014 result of 6,156).

The Liverpool City Region Visitor Survey is conducted every five years, and provides valuable profiling data of visitors to the area for the use of Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and its partners.

Some of the key findings for Sefton include:

Almost all respondents were likely at some level to recommend visiting Sefton (99%), with the majority “very” likely.

The average spend by visitors staying in Sefton/ Southport was £195.89 (including accommodation); while those on a staying trip based outside of Sefton spent an average total of £116.25. Day vis- itors to Sefton spent an average total of £30.53.

The most popular factor associated with Sefton as a destination was “Lord Street / Shopping”, with 51% of respondents rating it as the first most associated factor.

Cabinet member for regeneration and skills, Cllr Marion Atkinson, said: “These figures come as no surprise and show that tourism across Sefton is on the up and the borough is open for all business.

“Visitors come from all over the UK to Sefton and our attractions and events programme really stand out. Sefton really is a tourism destination and, with the arrival of next year’s Open Golf Championship, at Royal Birkdale, we will be seen again in a positive light on a global scale.”