'Significant interest' in Bradford from hotel operators

A recent report by West Yorkshire Combined Authority looked at what could be done to boost tourism in the area, pointing out that West Yorkshire fell behind neighbouring areas when it came to tourism.

It found that fewer tourists visited West Yorkshire than areas like Manchester and Liverpool, and the total overnight spend (international and domestic) per head of population in West Yorkshire was just £263 – compared to £552 in Greater Manchester.

The report said: “Challenges include West Yorkshire’s under-developed holiday and international markets, limited hotel capacity outside of Leeds, and a lack of a purpose build/larger convention centre and strong competitor destinations (e.g. Liverpool, Manchester, York).”

It comes as Yorkshire works to develop new tourism strategies in the wake of Welcome To Yorkshire folding.

Councillor Si Cunningham, Bradford Council’s Assistant Executive for City of Culture, says Bradford is “well placed” to help turn around West Yorkshire’s tourist industry – especially with the 2025 City of Culture year on the horizon.

He pointed out that Bradford Live – due to open next year, will include a 500 capacity events and conference space in the building’s 1930s ballroom.

Bradford Live (Image: T&A)

Cllr Cunningham said: “The Combined Authority findings are interesting and very well-timed for Bradford as we prepare for UK City of Culture and the opening of Bradford Live.

“I think Bradford is perhaps best placed, of all West Yorkshire council areas, to satisfy the demand for quality accommodation that has been identified in the report.

“We know from our extensive research during the culture bid process that there’s room to increase hotel bed capacity in the city centre, particularly at the higher quality end of the market, and there has been significant interest from potential operators.

Councillor Si Cunningham (Image: newsquest)

“Bradford has a major regional venue for entertainment and conferencing opening next year (Bradford Live), and there will regularly be upwards of seven to eight thousand visitors in the city centre when all three main venues have something on, and that’s not counting the smaller venues or other cultural attractions that are also improving their offer.

“Those people will need places to eat, drink, and hopefully stay.

The Bronte birthplace in Thornton (Image: Google)

“The wider District has huge potential in the hosting market, and if you look at the recent purchase of the Brontë birthplace as an example, you can really see places like that helping to satisfy that experiential accommodation demand.”