TOURISM in Coventry enjoyed a record-breaking year in 2024.
More than 400,000 additional visitors flocked to the city last year, taking the value of the city’s visitor economy to £922.9million as the sector saw strong growth for a fourth successive year.
New figures show 11.8million people visited Coventry in 2024, an increase of 3.6 per cent on the previous year, with the total value of the visitor economy rising by £67.9 million to a new record high.
The sector now supports 8,116 jobs and continues to drive confidence and investment across the city, including new accommodation projects that will expand Coventry’s bed stock by five per cent.
The value of overnight stays rose by 14 per cent, while day visits continue make up 88 per cent of total trips.
Food and drink businesses remain the largest contributor with 33 per cent of all expenditure, with retail representing a further 29 per cent.
The figures come from an economic impact report on tourism in the city commissioned by destination management organisation Destination Coventry, in partnership with West Midlands Growth Company.
Destination Coventry Managing Director Paul McMahon said: “It’s fantastic to see the visitor economy in Coventry continue to rise and hit new heights, with another record-breaking year reflecting the dedication of partners across the city.
“Over the past 12 months we have been working hard to the lay the foundations for further growth by developing new marketing models, strengthening collaboration and ensuring we are delivering impactful work to support businesses across the visitor economy.
“We will continue to work with partners across the city to ensure tourism remains a key driver of jobs, investment and growth for businesses.”
Coun Jim O’Boyle, Coventry City Council’s cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said the new figures were ‘great news’.
He said: “The tourism sector is really important – supporting a wide range of sectors and providing good jobs for local people.
“It’s especially pleasing to see that visitors are staying longer and spending more money while they are here.
“The city centre is undergoing massive change at the moment – change that will ultimately be really good for businesses and for visitor experience, so our ambition working with partners like Destination Coventry is that this area continues grow.”
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, added: “We’re no longer a well-kept secret and, as we continue to invest in first class marketing assets and new models of business support, we know these numbers will keep getting stronger and the positive growth will continue.”
