Resurgence in overnight visitors at Cheshire and Warrington hotels

Hotels in Cheshire and Warrington have reported substantial increases in overnight visitors in August, according to research Marketing Cheshire.

The new figures show occupancy levels and spend were higher in the year to date than in the same period last year, and significantly higher across Cheshire East and Warrington.

Marketing Cheshire chief executive, Katrina Michel says: “Hotels across Cheshire and Warrington are battling hard for business in a tough trading environment and deserve their success.

“Many are now investing in major makeovers to compete with the best anywhere and are constantly seeking ways to achieve even higher customer satisfaction.

We congratulate all our hotels on their improved performance but we cannot afford to be complacent in an increasingly competitive marketplace.“

She added: “We are just positioning Chester as a classic, contemporary city that will continue to deliver great cultural offerings thanks to new investment in the new theatre and cinema as part of the £300m Northgate redevelopment.”

Marketing Cheshire is also currently developing a brand new Cheshire short breaks campaign with a twist that will dispel consumer misconceptions about the destination and attract a new audience in the process.

The company is also currently working with Warrington & Co to maximise the potential of several key projects in the borough and strengthen what is regarded as one of the most successful business centres in the UK.

Mart Louwerse, manager of Crewe Hall and Chair of East Cheshire Hoteliers Association said: “It’s good news that hotels are starting to see an increase in occupancy levels.The early signs of a recovery in the corporate sector are particularly encouraging.”

Attractions and events across Cheshire have also been enjoying a highly successful summer thanks to the spell of hot weather. Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre has drawn bumper audiences throughout the season and Cholmondeley Castle and Gardens that stages a host of events including the popular Pageant of Power has seen a steady rise in visitor numbers.

In Macclesfield, the annual Barnaby Festival proved a big hit with 25% of visitors coming from outside the town.

Cheshire Oaks, Arley Hall Gardens and Tatton Park, home to the annual RHS Show have also reported increases in visitor numbers during the summer.

Chester Zoo is set to break its records for the number of visitors it attracts across the year and has just started work on its £30m Islands in Danger project.

Work on Chester’s new Business Quarter next to the railway station is expected to get underway before May 2014, bringing new commercial opportunities to the city, while Macclesfield is investing £90m in its Silk Street redevelopment.

Other major developments currently in progress in Chester are the new Restaurant Quarter being created in Pepper Street that will bring new dining experiences to the City and a £3m restoration of Grosvenor Park to its Victorian splendour.

Meanwhile, Warrington is gearing itself up to host the Rugby League World Cup with matches being played at the town’s Halliwell Jones Stadium including New Zealand (the current World Champions) against Samoa.

The tournament with its international TV coverage is expected to attract visitors from across the world, and bring substantial business to the borough.

Marketing Cheshire is also working with partners to gain maximum benefits for the area from the International Festival of Business taking place across Merseyside in June and July 2014 as well as The Open Golf Championship to be staged at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club on the Wirral in July 2014.