The importance of tourism to the region and the need to focus on supporting the industry is demonstrated by the fact the West Midlands region receives 26% of visitors to the top 10 UK visitor attractions outside of London. The are a number of reasons why people visit the West Midlands, business and sport are two, therefore it is important that the Council are involved to help and support this growing industry.
In 1999, domestic visitors generated
- 3.4 million trips to the region
- 8.5 million overnight stays
- £273 million spent in the regional economy
In 1999, overseas visitors generated
- 0.75 million trips to the region
- 6.2 million overnight stays
- £288 million spent in the regional economy
Black Country Visitor Survey 1999
In 1999, a Visitor Survey was undertaken by the Heart of England Tourist Board for Black Country Tourism, on behalf of the four Black Country Boroughs. It found that;
Who are our Visitors?
- 75% of all visitors to the Black Country are on day trips
- 5% were domestic visitors touring in or through the four Boroughs
- 13% are domestic visitors staying overnight in the Boroughs
- 6% of all visitors are from overseas
Where were our visitors from?
Where do people stay?
What do people do when they visit?
- 46% shop
- 42% Visit restaurants/cafes
- 27% visit a paid attraction
- 25% visit a historic property (paid attraction)
- 20% visit a wine bar/pub
- 18% enjoy general sightseeing
What people like/dislike about the Black Country?
Most people said that they liked
- the nice and friendly people
- visiting the shops
- the area is convenient to visit
- lots to see and do
- history and tradition of the area
- museums and attractions
Most people made no reply or said that there was nothing that they disliked about the area. However there were some areas where improvements could be made such as;
- Traffic problems
- Poor road and pedestrian signage
- Public toilet facilities
