Some of Greater Manchester's top hotels have launched a campaign offering a free night's stay in a bid to boost the city region's tourism, hospitality, leisure and culture sectors.
The "Have a Night on Us" drive is being led by Marketing Manchester and is being delivered in partnership with the Manchester Hoteliers Association.
The campaign will allow visitors to book two nights and stay a third night for free, with the aim of helping people to extend their stay in Greater Manchester, have more time to explore many of the region’s new and updated attractions and experiences, and to increase overall spend within the tourism economy.
The move has been announced ahead of the latest raft of Covid-19 rules being lifted on Monday, May 17, including the reopening of museums, cinemas and theatres.
Nine accommodation providers have so far confirmed they are taking part in the campaign including: The Edwardian Manchester, Kimpton Clock Tower, The Lowry Hotel, Hotel Brooklyn, Stock Exchange Hotel, The Ainscow Hotel, Holiday Inn Manchester city centre, and both of Manchester’s Roomzzz properties.
Additional hotels are set to join the campaign over the coming weeks and months.
Tourism was worth £9bn to Greater Manchester’s economy in 2019 and Marketing Manchester has estimated that at least 70% of that value has been lost since the Covid-19 pandemic began.
Sheona Southern, managing director of Marketing Manchester, said: "Our Have a Night on Us campaign looks to address the current shortfall in hotel bookings by working with accommodation partners to offer attractive deals that we hope visitors will take up in order to enjoy an extended summer break in Greater Manchester this summer.
"Greater Manchester hotels have suffered terrible financial losses since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many out of action for over 10 months due to last year’s tier system and national lockdowns.
"We are now more optimistic about recovery and there is a great deal to look forward to as Greater Manchester returns with a packed calendar of new openings and developments within the tourism economy.
"It is however, going to take time for confidence to return and there is still a significant question mark over the future of large sporting and music events, on which our hotel sector thrives, as well as the return of international visitors."
Adrian Ellis, chair of the Manchester Hoteliers Association, added: "This new campaign will play an important role in helping Greater Manchester’s hotel sector recover from the devastating effects of Covid-19, and will help to drive much-needed bookings to the region’s accommodation providers.
"Our hotels have made significant investments in making sure they are Covid-compliant, alongside meeting VisitEngland 'We’re Good to Go' accreditations.
"The unique Have a Night on Us offer is great value for money for visitors, who can be confident knowing they are both safe and supporting the tourism and hospitality industry at a time when it needs support the most."
The Have A Night On Us campaign is supported by VisitEngland’s Escape The Everyday recovery marketing fund.
VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: "It is great to see the activity that Marketing Manchester will be delivering with its Have a Night On Us campaign, and as it aligns with our national Escape the Everyday campaign, to encourage more people to explore the quality destinations and visitor attractions here on our doorstep.
"With international tourists slower to return, this really is the year to rediscover the crown jewels of English tourism in our vibrant cities."
