ExCeL London’s CEO has hailed the Elizabeth line as “transformational for the city’s event industry” as the high-speed network marked is first anniversary today, (24 May).
Opened to the public on May 24 2022, ExCeL London boasts its own dedicated Elizabeth line station via Custom House. Now fully operational with up to 24 trains per hour at peak times (seven days per week), the line has seen more than 150 million passenger journeys since opening and accounts for one in six of all journeys on Britain’s transport network.
Jeremy Rees, CEO, ExCeL London, said: “The introduction of the Elizabeth line has not only removed the friction of travel across London, but it’s also been transformational for the city’s event industry. In person events are not just back, they’re booming and firmly in the driving seat to reviving the city’s business tourism economy.”
Increase in visitor numbers and delegate spend
Rees also revealed the line has led to an increase in visitor numbers, with ExCeL London on track to record its busiest ever year, with figures already tracking a double-digit percentage higher than its previous record set before the pandemic in 2019.
Studies conducted by independent researcher Explori identified that, as well as an increase in visitor footfall, the Elizabeth line has led to a 5% increase in those travelling from Europe to ExCeL London, along with a 9% rise in delegates spending more than one day at the venue. It also found that 68% more people now reside within 45 minutes-travel of ExCeL.
Rees added: “All this has resulted in ExCeL needing to expand and we’re now in the final construction phases of a 25,000sqm expansion programme – opening in October 2024 – to continue to put London at the forefront of the global events stage.”
