A BOOST in international tourism is anticipated in Coventry this year as the city marks a poignant wartime anniversary.
The city will mark 85 years since the Coventry Blitz, in which the Cathedral Church of St Michael was destroyed on November 14, 1940.
Coventry is now recognised as a city of peace and reconciliation, with the new Coventry Cathedral and Cathedral Ruins proving popular destinations with German and American visitors.
The Cathedral provides a gateway for international visitors to the city, with many staying in the city to discover more about its cultural and industrial heritage.
Coventry is already a leading destination in the West Midlands for global visitors – as reflected with three of the city’s attractions shortlisted in the international tourism category at the leading regional tourism awards.
Coventry Cathedral, St Mary’s Guildhall and Coventry Transport Museum complete the shortlist for the International Tourism award at the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2025.
The visitor economy in Coventry has seen significant growth since the pandemic and reached a record high value of £855million and 11.39million visitors in 2023.
Simon Danks, Chief Operating Officer at Coventry Cathedral said: “From 2022 to 2024, we have seen an increase in international visitors, and overwhelmingly these are from Germany and America.
“That increase in international visitors has corresponded with a number of changes we have made to improve the visitor experience. For example, we actively recruited ESOL volunteers and developed a shorter highlights tour for visitors on a tighter timescale.”
Lucy Varga-Sharples of CV Life – which runs Coventry Transport Museum – said: “As a city, we have a rich heritage and we are confident in stating that Coventry Transport Museum is a truly world-class attraction.
“We draw visitors from across the globe to see the world’s largest publicly owned collection of British vehicles – we attract people that come specifically to see the Thrust SSC, which holds the world land speed record.
“At the venue we have a diverse group of staff, many of whom speak two or three languages, who are able to passionately tell story to international visitors of a city which changed the world through transport.”
Paul McMahon, Managing Director at Destination Coventry – which delivers destination management and marketing for the city – said: “We have a strong offer for international visitors, and we are anticipating more people from around the world coming to see what we have to offer in what is a major, yet sombre, anniversary year for the city.
“Our visitor economy has grown at a faster rate than other areas in the West Midlands, and we see international tourism as a key growth area to ensure we continue on that upward trajectory.
“It is fantastic that all three of the businesses on the regional shortlist for the international tourism award are from right here in Coventry.
“We often host group travel buyers and media familiarisation trips and they always are impressed by the strength and breadth of our offer.
“We are working with our partners to amplify the compelling story we have to tell which we are confident resonates with audiences all over the world.”
Visit www.destinationcoventry.co.uk for more information on Destination Coventry.
