The city of Birmingham has been named the Commonwealth Games host city for 2022, with an anticipated economic boost of £526 million to the West Midlands region.
Tourism bodies across Birmingham are said to have welcomed the news that the city will host the Commonwealth Games in four years’ time. The city and region is expecting between 500,000 and one million additional Games visitors during the 11-day sporting event.
Neil Rami, chief executive of the West Midlands Growth Company and member of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Bid Committee, said: “This is the West Midlands’ moment to make its mark. Hot on the heels of Coventry’s City of Culture success, Birmingham winning the 2022 Commonwealth Games is another tremendous endorsement for the region, providing an unprecedented opportunity to showcase its recent resurgence and regeneration on an international stage.
A cultural core for tourists
As well as sporting activity, Birmingham will host the Games’ first cultural programme, highlighting the city’s ‘diverse and youthful population’, together with its industrial history and heritage.
Visitor attractions such as the Black Country Living Museum, Birmingham Hippodrome and Drayton Manor Theme Park will all have a role to play.
Anita Bhalla OBE, member of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Bid Committee, added: “Hosting the Games will not only showcase our expertise in delivering major events, but will also highlight the richness of our cultural heritage and the immense talent of our young, digital and diverse population.
“With more than 5,000 creative organisations employing 31,000 people in Greater Birmingham, the Games will provide us with a platform to display our traditional and contemporary arts scene, further enhancing regional tourism and supporting our growing economy.”
More details are to be announced in due course.
For further information visit www.birmingham2022.com.
(Photo credit: Hanny Foxhal).
