TOURISM chiefs for Cheshire and Warrington say they are ‘cautiously optimistic’ for a successful 2024.

This is amid figures showing more than 50million people flocked to the county to enjoy its ‘world class tourism offering’ in just one year.

Analysis by Marketing Cheshire from the latest STEAM economic impact report shows the region’s visitor economy is now valued at £3.41billion.

Post pandemic visitor numbers, tourism jobs and the number of tourists continue to rise across Cheshire and Warrington.

This is despite ongoing sector challenges ranging from high energy costs and food prices to recruitment and supply chain issues.

The encouraging figures have also been bolstered with separate data showing rising footfall.

Warrington’s visitor economy was valued at £539.41million in 2022 – up 10 per cent on the previous year – while visitors also shot up from 7.98million in 2021 to 8.71million in 2022 – a 9.2 per cent year-on-year rise.

The STEAM figures show that in 2022, Cheshire’s visitor economy was worth £3.41billion – up 16 per cent on the previous year – and the pull of the region’s attractions saw Cheshire welcome 50.2million visitors in 2022 – nearly six million more than the 44.33million recorded in 2021.

The analysis shows that over the same period, overnight stays increased year-on-year across Cheshire, with some parts of the county eclipsing figures recorded before the pandemic.

Tourism officials have pledged to continue working with businesses, workforces and national bodies such as Visit England to collectively promote ‘a destination blessed with world-class tourism attractions’.

Trevor Brocklebank, chair of Marketing Cheshire said: “While we must remain focused, we are very excited by the results of the report.

“It is great news that the sector is bouncing back post pandemic and highlights the hard work of businesses, the continued pull of our world class tourism offering and the billions they generate for the Cheshire and Warrington economy.”

Eleanor Underhill, chair of Destination Cheshire, added: “The figures are testament to the enduring magic of Cheshire and the warm welcome provided.

“It is encouraging to see the positive increase over the last few years, and we are looking forward to seeing these increase again in the 2023 report.

“Through collaboration and shared experience, the members of the Destination Cheshire network will continue to work together to reaffirm Cheshire's position as a thriving destination.”