As the Conservative Party Conference moves in to Birmingham this weekend, the 5th in the city since 2008, Marketing Birmingham Regional Observatory estimates it will boost the Midlands economy by £19.3m.
The conference will be Theresa May’s first as PM and hotel occupancy in Birmingham is set to peak at 98.2% while the party meets at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Birmingham, 2-5 October.
The figures are based on an expected spend by 12,000 party delegates and a record 1,500 national and international media on accommodation, travel, food and drink and recreation.
Cllr John Clancy, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “The Conservative Party Conference provides a major opportunity to showcase an optimistic and vibrant Birmingham and I look forward to welcoming people to our young and exciting city.
“Post-Brexit, our cities are more important than ever to the UK economy and we are keen to work closely with ministers to ensure that Birmingham – Europe’s youngest city – plays a key part.”
Conservative chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin said the party was “delighted” to be returning to Birmingham for its conference. “For me it feels a bit like coming home; I grew up a few miles down the road in Cannock and also made my first ever conference address as a Cabinet Minister here.
“Our Party is backing Birmingham and the Midlands Engine in Government, and has a fantastic relationship with the city – our conference has two more visits in 2018 and 2020 in the pipeline.”
