UNITED KINGDOM: Liverpool is likely to get a £40 million gain as tens of thousands of Eurovision fans travel to the city to commemorate the annual song contest next week. Liverpool, who saw off Glasgow to become the event’s host after last year’s champions, Ukraine, were unable to do so due to Russia’s invasion, is anticipating a surge in tourists.
Liverpool Mayor Joanne Anderson has promised the “best party ever,” and plans are in motion to stage the world’s largest sing-along—to the Beatles’ With a Little Help from My Friends—on the day of the final as a show of support for Ukraine.
“Not only will people across the globe be watching this iconic event, but we also expect 100,000 extra visitors to stay and enjoy our fantastic region, which of course means a huge boost in visitor spending,” head of business growth at the Liverpool City Region Growth Company, Janice Mears, said.
The city’s juncture as the “world capital of pop” is anticipated to bring in roughly £28 million in spending from tourists from other countries, with at least another £12 million coming from UK visitors.
Based on Visit Britain’s data on domestic and foreign visitor expenditure, the projection by NatWest Bank includes spending on hotels, lodging, and entertainment.
The 67th Eurovision Song Contest’s semi-finals will be held on May 9 and 11, and the final will be held on May 13. As per estimates from UK Hospitality, the Eurovision competition, a series of bank holidays, and the coronation of King Charles could give the industry a huge $1 billion lift this month.
Kate Nicholls, chief executive at the industry body, said, “May has the potential to be a historic month for the hospitality sector, which is set for one of its busiest times in recent memory.”
“We know the British public turn out in their droves for big events, and we expect the coronation and Eurovision to be no different,” he added.
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