Leeds is becoming a tourist destination of choice, attracting more visitors than Liverpool.
The annual amount of money added to the economy by visitors increased by more than £100m in just one year, according to a council report.
Leeds is now the third most popular city outside London for visitors.
The findings were published in a council performance report, set to be discussed by the authority’s Infrastructure Scrutiny Board later this week.
So why is Leeds so popular?
Among the reasons for visiting Leeds was conferencing. The report claimed that Leeds was recently voted the fourth most popular UK conference destination in the British Meeting and Events Industry Survey 2019.
Leeds Beckett University, has venues including Cloth Hall Court and the Rose Bowl in the city centre.
David Collett, director of campus and residential services at Leeds Beckett, said: “There has been increasing demand for our conferencing facilities for major events including the Teach First annual conference and the National Union of Students’ annual conference.
“Increasingly, there’s a general move away from London and Leeds is ideally placed in terms of location and cost.
“The activity and energy generated by the Northern Powerhouse conversation has also undoubtedly had a positive effect with organisations working within Leeds specialities, such as financial technology and user experience, all choosing to hold flagship conferences at Cloth Hall Court.”
More jobs in Leeds
Leader of Leeds City Council Judith Blake said: “Tourism has a hugely beneficial impact on the Leeds economy, helping to create and sustain thousands of jobs for people who live here.
“We are extremely proud and fortunate to live and work in a leading world-class European city that is among the most sought after visitor destinations in the UK.
“As our growing visitor economy shows, we have a fantastic reputation for being a welcoming city, as well as one that hosts world class cultural and sporting events that attract people to visit from far and wide.”
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