A message to partners from our Managing Director:
Dear Partners,
As English Tourism Week 2025 draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to reflect on what has been an inspiring celebration of our visitor economy, bringing to life this year’s theme ‘Supporting People and Places to Drive Growth.’
English Tourism Week is more than just a date in the calendar, it’s a powerful reminder of the vital role tourism plays in strengthening our business communities. Here in the Liverpool City Region, we have seen first-hand how our sector fuels economic growth, enhances our cultural landscape and provides meaningful employment. With visitor numbers rising to more than 60 million annually and our tourism economy now valued at £6.25 billion, the strength and resilience of our industry are clear.
This week has also been a pivotal moment for us as we unveiled our new identity as the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership (LCRDP). This marks an exciting evolution in our approach to destination management, positioning us within the national Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) framework. It is a bold step forward, one that I believe will bring enhanced collaboration, greater strategic direction, and new opportunities for growth.
Throughout the week, we have celebrated the six incredible boroughs that make up our region, each bringing something unique to our visitor economy. From Liverpool’s world-class culture and sporting attractions to Sefton’s stunning coastline, St Helens’ rich history, Wirral’s natural beauty, Knowsley’s creative energy, and Halton’s deep heritage, every area plays a vital role in shaping our tourism offer.
Adding to this momentum, Southport is on the brink of an exciting transformation, with work now underway on the £73 million Marine Lake Events Centre (MLEC). Demolition and enabling works began last week, paving the way for construction to start in the coming months. Once complete, MLEC will bring a state-of-the-art entertainment and conference venue to Southport, attracting over 500,000 visitors a year and delivering a major boost to the local economy.
This week we’ve also celebrated our region’s tourism successes through a diverse schedule of events and digital campaigns, including:
- A borough-by-borough showcase across our digital channels, highlighting the depth and diversity of our tourism offer.
• The revival of our LCRDP board members’ ‘favourite Places’ campaign, which positions our region as a leader in food, drink, culture, accessibility, music tourism and more
• An industry-focused survey, inviting our valued partners to shape the future of our visitor economy.
• An exciting preview of the new Destination Management Plan (DMP), which sets out a roadmap for sustainable growth and increased visitor spend across the region.
Key moments from the week included:
- The British Travel and Tourism Show (March 19–20), where VisitLiverpool showcased our city region’s world-class visitor offering alongside key partners, inspiring group travel and future itineraries.
- UK Sport’s Event Partners Day (March 19–20), which saw representatives from UK Sport, national governing bodies, and cities across the UK explore future sporting event opportunities for Liverpool City Region.
- Club Liverpool’s 10-year anniversary event (March 20), where we celebrated the network’s success in securing over £100 million in conference-led economic impact, reinforcing the region’s standing as a global events destination.
- The launch of Halton’s RE:Wild Your Days Out (March 21), showcasing the power of nature-based tourism through inspiring talks, guided walks and sustainable tourism initiatives.
- Art After Dark (March 21), a vibrant new event in Birkenhead celebrating local creativity, with galleries, studios, and cultural spaces opening their doors for an evening of discovery and collaboration.
- A two-day familiarisation visit (March 21–22), organised by Liverpool Hospitality in partnership with Liverpool Convention Bureau for the fifth year, showcasing the region’s top venues, hotels, and visitor attractions to key industry professionals.
- Borealis (March 20–30), the breathtaking art installation at Royal Albert Dock that brings the magic of the Northern Lights to Liverpool, captivating audiences with its stunning, atmospheric display.
Beyond these events, it was fantastic to see Liverpool’s Woolton district recognised as the Best Place to Live in the North West by The Sunday Times. Praised for its strong sense of community, thriving independent businesses, and historic Beatles connections, this accolade is a testament to the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that makes our region such a special place for both residents and visitors alike.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you, our partners, stakeholders, and tourism champions, who work tirelessly to make our region such a dynamic and inviting place. Your passion and dedication are the driving force behind our success, and I look forward to working together to build on this momentum.
Here’s to another year of growth, collaboration, and unforgettable visitor experiences.
Best wishes,
Natalie Wyatt
Managing Director
Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership