TATTON Park, Jodrell Bank and Quarry Bank Mill are just three of the shining stars that have helped Cheshire East’s visitor economy boom this year.

New data shows the borough’s visitor economy is now worth £963 million – an increase of £43 million over the previous year.

More than 16 million visitors passed through the borough – with events such as Bluedot Festival, the Royal Cheshire Show and RHS Tatton all contributing to a 4.6 per cent annual growth in the borough’s popularity.

Frank Jordan, executive director place and acting deputy chief executive at Cheshire East Council, said: “CEC has a long-standing aspiration to help create a visitor economy worth £1 billion by 2020.

“We are delighted once again that the council and our outstanding hospitality and tourism industry are continuously being recognised and are on track to meet this target at £963 million.

“Cheshire East has many historic market towns and is home to a rich heritage and picturesque countryside for family days out. The borough also hosts a wealth of annual social events catering for all ages.”

The figures are calculated through the Scarborough Tourism Economic Analysis Monitor (STEAM) – an accredited method of calculation used by UK visitor destinations.

Detailed analysis shows a 77.1 per cent increase in the value of the visitor economy to Cheshire East since the borough came into being in 2009.

Overnight stays in 2018 injected £1.55 million into the accommodation sector – an increase of 0.7 per cent on the previous year.

And the economic impact of day visitors has risen by 81.9 per cent to £712 million since 2009.

Mr Jordan added: “Tourists come from far and wide to enjoy what is on offer, staying at our many hotels and self-catering establishments which provide excellent hospitality.

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“Tourism like this has a significant impact on the Cheshire East economy, helping to create and sustain jobs for people who live here.

“We aim is to build on this success, investing in sensational tourism schemes across the borough.”