Big drop in visitor numbers to Coventry city centre
Demolition work and e-bike concerns linked with fewer visitors
Coventry city centre has seen a significant decrease in visitor numbers, but the city's tourism income has increased, according to new figures.
Data from the council's One Coventry Plan revealed a drop in the average daily number of visitors to the city centre, decreasing by 5.9 percent to 115,257 compared to 123,560 in the previous year.
The council attributed this decline to the demolition work for the City Centre South regeneration project, which is clearing space for new apartment blocks and various commercial establishments.
In contrast, Reform UK has raised concerns over masked e-bike riders. Cllr Jackie Gardiner from Reform suggested these riders contribute to declining attendance, mentioning that people feel threatened by e-bikers in pedestrian precincts.
The council acknowledged the concerns but stated it cannot selectively enforce unmasking for e-bikers alone due to discrimination concerns. Instead, a public consultation will be conducted to decide whether all face coverings should be removed in pedestrian shopping areas, except for valid medical or religious reasons.
Despite fewer visitors, Coventry's tourist economy reached £923 million in 2024, recording its third consecutive year of financial growth. The city centre earned its first Purple Flag award, recognising it as a safe and vibrant destination.
The One Coventry Plan, which monitors performance against 88 indicators until 2030, noted a mixed overall picture. While 44 indicators showed improvements or remained steady, 27 saw declines, and some lacked sufficient data for assessment.
With economic prosperity, inequality reduction, and climate change among its priorities, the council aims to improve city centre footfall, economic inactivity, youth unemployment, deprivation, health inequalities, recycling, and green space inequality.
Fly-tipping remains a concern with a 40 percent increase since pre-Covid levels, although enforcement actions are improving. Unemployment in Coventry is higher than national averages, with a notable increase in youth unemployment, and educational outcomes show varying levels in qualifications among residents.
Overall, Coventry is facing challenges with city attendance but continues to experience growth in tourism income.