The “coup” of hosting the World Gymnastics Championships has proven to be a lucrative move for Liverpool’s economy.
More than 35,000 people descended on the M&S Bank Arena for nine days of competition across October and November last year as the city welcomed elite athletes from 70 countries to compete for 14 world titles. An independent report into the staging of the event has revealed the economic impact for Liverpool.
The study, conducted by MEL Research, found the 2022 championships generated around £5.6m for Liverpool’s economy.
READ MORE: Man accused of murdering schoolboy Dylan Bragger appears in court
More than 25,000 bed nights were booked throughout the nine days, with 82% of attendees coming from outside the Liverpool City Region. Around 60% of those stayed overnight.
Overseas visitors made up 8% of the visits and for nearly 11,000 people it was their first visit to Liverpool. The official fan zone – a first for the event – welcomed 18,704 visits from both ticketed and non-ticket holders.
In a bid to be accessible to all, 38 schools and 13 community groups attended the event as spectators. An allocation of 1,779 were complimentary tickets, with a focus on deprived wards.
The competition was broadcast in 29 countries, with a total of 753 hours of air time.
More than 15,600 hours of volunteer time contributed to the event, with 406 people giving up their time to be a part of the action. A fifth of those volunteers came from diverse ethnic communities, and more than 40 had an accessibility or health condition.
Cllr Harry Doyle, Liverpool Council cabinet member for health, wellbeing and culture, said: “As Liverpool always does when it comes to staging events, we really embraced the World Gymnastics Championships 2022, celebrating its time here and even using it as inspiration for last year’s incredibly popular River of Light trail. It makes all the hard work worthwhile when you see those figures – a £5 million much-needed financial boost and thousands of people coming here for the first time who are more than likely going to return after such a positive experience.
“And it’s not just about the numbers – we’re already seeing that this event will have a lasting legacy for Liverpool, making a tangible difference to many communities and the lives of those who will benefit from the positive physical and mental health benefits of getting active.”
Claire Lewis, chair of the World Gymnastics Championships 2022 board, added: “Hosting this event was a huge sporting coup for Liverpool that made the city, the sport and the championships proud.
"We delivered what we committed to as a board - a world class sport and entertainment experience that was deeply connected to the city of Liverpool. Feedback from all those involved has been overwhelmingly positive – the gymnasts praised the venue and the facilities, the spectators were treated to world-class talent and gymnastics and the volunteers came together to form a unique team who gave the warmest of welcomes to visitors.
“Engagement in schools and in care homes has embedded a legacy that will provide benefits way beyond the championships themselves.”
Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here
