Record number of tourists in West Midlands last year

Birmingham Festival 23, a free-to-access celebration of the region's cultural talent, was held last year

More people visited the West Midlands last year than ever before, according to a tourism organisation.

Sporting and business events, and the culture, retail and hospitality sectors generated 145.4 million visits.

West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) said that was a rise of more than four million on 2022.

The estimated economic impact of the tourism sector - taking into account wider visitor spending - also increased by 15%, to a record £16.3bn.

Events like The Ashes, World Trampoline Championships, Birmingham Festival 23 and Harry Styles and Arctic Monkeys at Coventry Building Society Arena helped build the total, WMGC said.

Black Country Living Museum launched its 1940s to 1960s high street and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls opened its doors to the public, the year after the Commonwealth Games was staged in the region.

Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham's Cannon Hill Park said it had had a 6% increase in footfall last year, compared to 2022.

Chief executive and artistic director Debbie Kermode stated that in 2023 prices were frozen for family activities and the independent cinema.

She said: "We were thinking of the cost of living for our public and we listened to them.

Midlands Arts Centre chief executive Debbie Kermode said she thought it was "affordable"

"We focus more on wellbeing activities, everything from workshops to watching concerts and gigs, [than some other venues].

"People come on site to do things physically."

The number of jobs supported by tourism last year reached nearly 144 thousand, the highest figure recorded, said WMGC.

Later in the summer, the organisation will be involved in launching a mobile-friendly ticket for members of the public to pay for attractions and transport over one to three days.

Thousands of people attended this celebration of Asian culture - Sandwell & Birmingham Mela