Birmingham is the UK’s dynamic second city, rich in industrial heritage, diverse culture, major shopping, sports and events.
In 2023 the wider West Midlands region attracted 145.4 million visits and supported a visitor economy worth £16.3 billion — signalling strong growth and showing Birmingham as a rising tourism hub.
Key stats: Birmingham / West Midlands Tourism
- 145.4 million visits in 2023 — West Midlands welcomed a record number of visitors, continuing its growth trend.
- £16.3 billion visitor economy — the region’s tourism industry delivered a sizable economic boost, up 15% year-on-year.
- 143,988 jobs supported by tourism — the highest number on record in the region, highlighting the sector’s employment impact.
- 45.5 million visitors to Birmingham in 2022 — the city itself achieved a strong revisit of pre-pandemic levels and beyond (~+6% vs 2019).
- Birmingham sits among UK’s top 5 towns for overnight inbound visitors in 2023 — cementing its role as a major destination beyond London.
How Many Tourists Visit Birmingham Each Year?
In 2023, the West Midlands region (including Birmingham) recorded ~145.4 million visits.
- This was an increase of around 4 million (≈3 %) compared to 2022.
- The region’s visitor economy is now valued at about £16.3 billion.
- For city-specific Birmingham: in 2022 the city alone attracted ~45.5 million visitors, up ~6% over 2019.
How Many Visitors Are From Overseas vs Domestic?
Birmingham’s international visitor numbers are smaller relative to domestic day-visits, but have shown growth.
- The city recorded ~619,000 international visits in one period, a growth of ~19% compared to earlier years.
- Note: Many of the 145.4 million visits are domestic day-visits rather than overnight stays.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Birmingham / West Midlands?
The reported value of the visitor economy for 2023 is ~£16.3 billion.
- Key spending sectors: retail (~41 %), food & drink (~21 %), recreation (~15 %) of visitor spend in the West Midlands.
- Employment supported: ~143,988 jobs in the region’s tourism sector in 2023 (West Midlands) — highest since Covid-19 began.
Which Areas / Attractions Drive Tourism in Birmingham?
Birmingham offers a mix of shopping, culture, sports, events and heritage that attract visitors.
| Area / Attraction | Significance |
|---|---|
| Bullring & Grand Central shopping complex | Major retail magnet |
| Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery / Jewellery Quarter | Heritage & craft tourism |
| Resorts World / NEC / ExCeL-type event spaces | Business events & exhibitions |
| Sports venues: Edgbaston, Villa Park, Alexander Stadium | Domestic & international sports draws |
| Frankfurt Christmas Market (Birmingham) | Seasonal major draw; one of UK’s largest outdoor Christmas markets |
| City centre hotels & conference capacity | Supports business travel & city-break leisure |
When Is Best Time to Visit Birmingham?
While Birmingham is a year-round destination, key peaks align with holiday shopping, event weeks and festivals.
| Season | Trend | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Nov-Dec) | High | Christmas markets, shopping peak |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Moderate to High | Festivals, events, university open days |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Moderate | City breaks, sports, family holidays |
| Autumn (Sep-Oct) | Moderate | Conference season, cultural events |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists in Birmingham?
Birmingham hosts major events that bring both domestic and international visitors.
- The 2022 Commonwealth Games legacy and associated events boosted awareness and visitor numbers.
- Retail & entertainment events (shopping festivals, Christmas markets) draw high day-visitor volumes.
- Business exhibitions and conferences at the NEC and city centre contribute to overnight stays and international business travel.
How Much of Birmingham’s Economy Does Tourism Represent?
Tourism is a significant component of Birmingham & West Midlands’ economy.
- £16.3 billion visitor economy in 2023 for the region.
- Supporting ~143,988 tourism jobs in the region in 2023.
- The city aims to raise Birmingham’s profile as not just a business destination but a leisure city break hub.
Which Districts in Birmingham Are Most Popular for Visitors?
The city has several key visitor-centric districts.
- City Centre / Bullring – shopping, dining, nightlife
- Jewellery Quarter / Westside – heritage, craft tourism
- Digbeth / Eastside – creative quarter, street-art, events
- Birmingham Airport / NEC corridor – business travel hub and gateway
- Edgbaston / Sports campus – cricket, athletics events attracting sports tourists
FAQ – Birmingham Tourism Insights
How many visitors does Birmingham attract each year?
Birmingham (city) had ~45.5 million visitors in 2022; the wider West Midlands region recorded ~145.4 million visits in 2023.
Which day-visits vs overnight stays dominate?
Most visits in the region are domestic day visits; overnight stays and international arrivals are growing but form a smaller share.
What is Birmingham best known for as a tourist destination?
Shopping (Bullring), cultural heritage (Jewellery Quarter), major events, sports, and Christmas market.
When is the best time to visit Birmingham?
Late November into December for the Christmas markets and winter shopping; spring & early summer for events and culture.
How important is tourism to Birmingham’s economy?
Very — the region’s visitor economy was valued at ~£16.3 billion in 2023 and supports nearly 144,000 jobs.
What are the main sectors visitors spend on?
Retail (~41%), food & drink (~21%), and recreation (~15%) are major categories for visitor spend in the West Midlands.
Sources
- West Midlands Growth Company / Visit Birmingham — “Record number of visitors choose West Midlands in 2023” (July 2024)
- Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce — “West Midlands enjoys record visitor numbers – report” (Jan 2024)
- Birmingham World — “More tourists than ever before visit Birmingham & the West Midlands” (2022/2023 data)
- Visit Birmingham – Visitor Survey — West Midlands Visitor Survey (ongoing)
- UK Parliament Research Briefing — “Tourism: Statistics and policy” (May 2025)
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