Date: Wednesday, 01 October 2008
VISIT MANCHESTER: ‘TIF MANCHESTER OYSTER CARD VITAL FOR TOURISM’
New ‘Tourism and Transport’ research paper highlights importance of TIF investment to sector
The massive investment in public transport through a successful Transport Innovation Fund bid would benefit Manchester’s tourism economy and boost the city region’s international reputation as a place to live, work, visit and study, according to the tourist board for Greater Manchester.
Visit Manchester has said that the introduction of a multi-mode integrated ticketing system, like London’s Oyster Card, to service a revolutionised public transport system would help take tourism in the city to the next level. The organisation has thrown its weight behind the proposals by joining United City – the alliance of businesses from across Greater Manchester supporting the TIF bid.
The move follows the publication of a research paper prepared by Visit Manchester on the relationship between tourism and transport, and the potential impact of TIF on Greater Manchester as an international destination. Key findings from the paper include:
- Transport is a key area for investment if Greater Manchester is to evolve as an international destination for tourists and business visitors – with the £3bn TIF investment the only realistic source of significant funding
- The Oyster Card-style integrated ticketing system within TIF is one of the most important elements of the proposals
- User friendly, sustainable, integrated travel boosts a city’s brand appeal
- Good transport connectivity has been identified as a priority at a European level
- Innovative transport investment will support Manchester’s reputation as the ‘original, modern’ city
- London’s congestion charge has been of net benefit to key tourism sectors: hotel, restaurant and retail
Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said: “We researched the potential impact of TIF on Greater Manchester’s tourist industry to help formulate our position on these proposals, and the conclusions are clear - the opportunity afforded by the Transport Innovation Fund bid is vital to the future of Manchester as a tourist destination.
“As a modern city we need to continue to push the boundaries and embrace new ideas. A public transport system that reflects these ideals – moving visitors around the city-region with ease and in a way that enhances their experience – is crucial if we are to compete with the leading cities in Europe and across the world.”
In particular, Visit Manchester highlights the benefits that easier ticketing, similar to that of London’s Oyster Card system, will bring to both business and leisure visitors alike.
“An integrated ticketing system is a particularly good strength when promoting the city internationally. Convenience is what visitors not only look for, but expect – especially delegates attending conferences and events”, Paul Simpson added.
“We’re delighted to join United City and look forward to working with them to bring about a new era in public transport across Greater Manchester.”
Visit Manchester is a division of Marketing Manchester, the agency charged with promoting the city on a national and international stage.
ENDS
Notes to editors: The Tourism Research Paper prepared by Visit Manchester is attached to this email.
For more information:
Marketing Manchester Communications Team
Tel: 0161 237 1010
Email: press@marketingmanchester.com
