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Report highlights benefits of football tourism

19/08/2008

Football tourism is generating a lot of money for the Manchester and the surrounding area, it has been claimed.

A study by Manchester Metropolitan University has found that the Uefa Cup Final and Champions League Final in May pumped millions of pounds into the regional economy.

Football fans from 11 countries flew into Manchester to see the Uefa Cup Final, boosting the coffers of the hospitality and retail industries.

Indeed, a high percentage of fans told the researchers that they visited leisure and shopping facilities during their stay in Manchester.

More than 25,000 football fans flew from the city's international airport to Moscow to see Manchester United take on Chelsea in the Uefa Champions League Final.

Both matches generated an extra £1 million in revenue for Manchester Airport.

Andrew Cornish, managing director of the hub, said the study "demonstrates the extent to which international football relies upon aviation".

In 2002, businesses in Manchester enjoyed a £22 million boost as thousands flocked to the city to see the Commonwealth Games.