Coventry tourism brings in £922m in record high

Crowds have flocked to Coventry for events including VE Day

Tourism in Coventry has reached record levels, with the city's visitor economy valued at £922.9m in 2024.

An economic impact report commissioned by Destination Coventry and the West Midlands Growth Company showed that a total of 11.8 million people visited the city last year, up 3.6% on the previous year, while the value of the visitor economy increased by £67.9m.

Spending on overnight stays rose by 14%, while day trips made up 88% of all trips.

Food and drink businesses were the biggest contributor to the visitor economy, making up 33% of direct spending, ahead of retail which accounted for 29%.

The city council said the tourism sector supported 8,116 jobs across Coventry and was driving investment, including in new accommodation projects.

Councillor Jim O'Boyle, cabinet member for jobs, regeneration and climate change, said: "The tourism sector is really important, supporting a wide range of sectors and providing good jobs for local people.

"It's great news that Coventry has yet again achieved record-breaking numbers for tourism."

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."