By Mark Andrews

Copyright expressandstar

The data, compiled by independent tourism research body Global Tourism Solutions, represents a four per cent growth in visitor numbers, and a 10.6 per cent increase in the value of tourism to the economy.

It is the second successive year that the number of visitors to Wolverhampton has grown .

The number of jobs supported by tourism also increased by 4.8 per cent, from 4,553 to 4,772.

The news comes ahead of the council’s n ew plan for the city’s night-time economy, which will go before the council’s cabinet on Wednesday next week.

Councillor Chris Burden,. the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said the city had outperformed its neighbours, which had shown more modest growth in the visitor economy.

He said the growth reflected the strong performance by the city’s major visitor venues, such as the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, Wolverhampton Arts Centre, Arena Theatre, Wolverhampton Racecourse and the refurbished Civic and Wulfrun Halls, now known as The Halls. .

The figures was also boosted by the opening in May of Superbowl UK in the Mander Centre, and the new independent four-screen Lockworks Cinema at the Chubb Building in July.

The city also hosted he first Kabaddi World Cup outside of Asia in 2024.

The council said it had secured investment of more than £100 million for important infrastructure projects, such as improved public transport connections and the paving scheme aimed at making it easier for people to walk around the city.

Councillor Burden, said: “The visitor economy is an important part of the economic mix for Wolverhampton and its continued growth is critical for the local economy, and providing job opportunities for our residents.

“We have some fantastic assets and venues in Wolverhampton, and we have the confidence of investors who want to develop and expand here as we develop Wolverhampton as a distinctive, accessible and inclusive destination built on the uniqueness of our strong cultural heritage.

“Working with partners we will continue to build on that and deliver a robust destination management plan that fosters further growth by enabling a vibrant, mixed evening and nighttime economy and joint city events programme, vibrant public environment and improved accommodation.”