Coventry visitor economy tops £1 billion for the first time
Record year driven by concerts, sport and major events attracting more than 12 million visitors to the city
Coventry’s visitor economy has passed the £1 billion mark for the first time after a record year for tourism, events and hospitality in the city.
New figures show more than 12.6 million people visited Coventry last year, helping to generate a record economic impact and supporting thousands of local jobs.
A range of high-profile events helped draw visitors to the city, including concerts by Tom Grennan, Bob Dylan and Ed Sheeran. Growing attendances at Coventry City matches also played a role, alongside major events such as the Kabaddi World Cup.
It also had a positive impact on employment, by supporting 8,330 full-time employees in 2025, up 2.6 per cent on the previous year, representing a second consecutive year of employment growth.
Paul McMahon, managing director of Destination Coventry, said: “Reaching more than £1 billion in economic impact is a hugely significant milestone for Coventry.
“The growth in visitors, employment and economic value demonstrates the strength of Coventry’s offer and the appetite for what our city has to give.
“Now, our opportunity is to build on that momentum, attracting more visitors, encouraging them to stay longer, creating more reasons to return and unlocking even greater value for our businesses and communities."
Day visitors accounting for 11.1 million visits, while overnight visitors represented 12 per cent of all visits. Meanwhile, food and drink accounted for 33 per cent of spend, while shopping was worth 29 per cent. Recreation was worth 11 per cent.
Paul Michael, chair of Destination Coventry, added: “We are performing extremely well compared to the wider region.
“With Coventry City FC securing promotion to the Premier League, the city is also entering a new period of opportunity, with the increased national profile and potential visitor demand.
“Continued collaboration across the visitor economy will be central to converting the city’s growing profile into sustained economic benefit.”