Businesses in Liverpool city centre are anticipating the biggest fortnight in a generation, as the city stages Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine.
More than 100,000 visitors are expected to soak up the atmosphere, making it the busiest period in recent memory – providing a major boost for hospitality, leisure and tourism businesses.
Liverpool City Council is working in partnership with Liverpool BID (Business Improvement District), to make sure that all of its member can make the most of the opportunities that Eurovision will bring. Liverpool BID has supported the city by committing a six figure sum towards the Council’s contribution to hosting Eurovision.
Bill Addy, CEO of Liverpool BID Company, said:
“We have had huge moments over the last decade, such as football parades and the Giants – but they are usually over one or two days, whereas the build-up to Eurovision is over a much longer period.
“Liverpool is already a global brand, but what events like Eurovision do is they give people a fresh look and insight into a destination, and we expect people from across the region, the nation and internationally to descend on the city.
“The reason we were keen to support Eurovision in terms of investment is that when we see these visitors come to the city we see them spend in our hospitality, retail and leisure businesses. That impact goes directly into the local economy, helping boost businesses and protect and create jobs.
“We have been supporting businesses across the city centre and encouraging them to welcome Eurovision visitors to the city so that they can feel the benefit of this extra footfall and profile.”
A wide variety of events are being staged for Eurovision, in addition, Liverpool is putting on a wide variety of events associated with Eurovision including:
- A cultural programme with 24 commissions and events from 1 – 14 May
- A fan village at the Pier Head from 5 – 13 May
- EuroClub at Camp and Furnace from 5 – 13 May
- The National Lottery Big Eurovision Welcome on 7 May
Eurovision has a proven positive impact on the economy of its host cities, with Stockholm, Kyiv and Lisbon all reporting increases in visitors and tourism. In Turin last year, more than 70% of visitors stayed overnight and spent an average of €200 per head.
Neil Ashcroft, Centre Director at St Johns Shopping Centre, said:
“As a community shopping centre and the gateway to the city, St Johns is looking forward to giving a warm, uniquely Liverpudlian welcome to those visiting the city for the Eurovision Song Contest.
“Eurovision is going to be incredibly positive for our hospitality sector, but also for the wider business community in the city and the economic impact this will have on Liverpool cannot be understated.
“St Johns has enjoyed a buoyant bounce back following the pandemic, as have many other well-established city centre businesses, and we hope that the legacy of Eurovision will continue to grow our visitor economy and put Liverpool on the map as a leading UK destination.
“At St Johns, we’re very lucky to have both local independents and household-name brands under one roof, and our team and community of retailers are ready to celebrate and show visiting Eurovision enthusiasts all that our city and its brilliant businesses have to offer.”
More information can be found at www.visitliverpool.com/eurovision-2023/
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