Birmingham, once the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, is a city that prides itself not only on its cultural but also its industrial heritage. This very legacy makes it a fascinating place to visit today. You can admire the local historic architecture or explore the magnificent waterways, all steeped in history, local culture, and a unique way of life. Or, why not take a trip to the legendary Black Country? When it comes to industrial tourism, Birmingham offers a wealth of sights and experiences. Discover more about the growth of industrial tourism in Birmingham at birminghamname.com.
Welcome to Birmingham
When discussing industrial tourism, the first question is: what exactly can Birmingham offer to attract and engage tourists? For starters, Birmingham is one of Europe’s largest destinations for conferences and events, boasting a tourism industry valued at £4.9 billion. Key venues include the International Convention Centre, the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), and Symphony Hall, which collectively contribute to 42 percent of all UK exhibition and conference trade. Birmingham’s retail sector also plays a huge role in the city’s economy. It features one of the UK’s largest shopping centers, the Bullring, which stands as the second most visited retail spot outside of London. Other prime shopping areas can be found in Martineau Place.
Thanks to Birmingham’s unique central location within the UK’s road and rail network, 98 percent of UK consumers are within a 4-hour drive of the city. Birmingham Airport hosts 50 airlines, serving over 140 routes worldwide. A planned £200 million expansion is set to further boost international business and provide an even greater incentive for tourists to visit.
The HS2 rail project, slated for completion in 2026, will connect the city to London in under 45 minutes. This improved accessibility is expected to encourage international companies to establish their headquarters in Birmingham. The Big City Plan outlines £18 billion in public investment for regeneration projects by 2026, with £1.3 billion specifically allocated to improving road, rail, and air networks.
National Tourism Agency VisitBritain
The £600 million redevelopment of New Street Station, a £130 million investment in the Metro system, and a £13 million investment in the city’s bus interchange are also poised to significantly enhance local transport services.
Furthermore, the city has already surpassed its goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 2026, securing an additional £40 million in public investment for research and development. Overall, it’s clear that Birmingham is an excellent place to establish and run a business. It’s also ideally positioned to develop more tourist routes linked to its rich industrial past and vibrant present, benefiting from its large consumer market, first-class transport network, and thriving secondary and tertiary industries.
It’s no surprise, then, that increasing efforts are being poured into promoting the city’s leisure and tourism appeal. As of April 2024, Birmingham became the new headquarters for the national tourism agency, VisitBritain/VisitEngland.
John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, stated that this “fantastic news further underscores Birmingham’s growing status as a world-class tourist destination.” He described modern Birmingham as a “warm, friendly city boasting award-winning museums and galleries, world-class cultural institutions and festivals, major sporting events, family attractions, and picturesque waterways.” Among the new hotspots is the recently opened Skyline rooftop terrace at Edgbaston Stadium, where visitors can enjoy cricket accompanied by a live DJ, food, and drinks.
For fans of the hit series *Peaky Blinders*, a visit to the 26-acre Black Country Living Museum in Dudley is a must. Many iconic scenes from the TV show were filmed there. This year, the museum also unveiled a new 1940s-1960s street. Numerous historical and contemporary businesses in the area also hold the potential to become captivating sites for tourists keen on industrial excursions.
Tourism Sector Day
Further demonstrating that Birmingham is a serious contender in industrial and business tourism, the city hosted a special ‘Tourism Sector Day‘ in 2022. This event aimed to highlight the impact and importance of the visitor economy in the West Midlands and across UK regions.
Held at the University of Birmingham, the event’s agenda focused on activities such as roundtables with leaders from England’s major cities. These discussions centered on tourism policies designed to support the economic recovery of the sector. There were also one-on-one sessions and market briefings for domestic and international buyers and suppliers to discover more about the attractions of the West Midlands. A particular highlight was the focus on business tourism, exploring best practices and success stories with the new Birmingham and West Midlands Conference Ambassador Network.
Speakers included Nigel Huddleston, then Minister for Sport, Tourism, Heritage and Civil Society (and Commonwealth Games); Dame Judith Macgregor, Chair of the British Tourist Authority; and Brendan McClements, Chief Executive of Visit Victoria, among others.
Nigel Huddleston noted that the £24 million Business and Tourism Programme had been instrumental in attracting investment to the West Midlands and fostering regional economic growth. Tourism Day also featured the official presentation of ‘The Relaytionship’ – a unique piece of digital art. The project was inspired by a poem from spoken word artist Amerah Saleh, who performed for the delegates. The program also included a performance by Birmingham’s Poet Laureate Casey Bailey. Cuisine for the event was crafted by Birmingham’s own Michelin-starred chef, Glynn Purnell.
Accommodations
Naturally, tourists need places to stay, and Birmingham has this well covered. Since 2023, the city center has seen the impressive redevelopment of the Royal Angus Hotel on St. Chads Queensway. It now features 161 rooms spread over 9 floors, comprising 84 studios, 71 one-bedroom apartments, and 6 two-bedroom apartments. Added perks include on-site parking, in-room Alexa devices, keyless entry, and pet-friendly rooms.
Another noteworthy hotel, opened in 2021, is the Aloft by Marriott, known for its vibrant design and tech-forward approach. It offers restaurants, a bar, and 24/7 gourmet snacks. The hotel also boasts 23 event and conference spaces right in the city center. Similarly, following an £8 million renovation project, the Leonardo Royal Hotel Birmingham officially opened on Broad Street. This revamped hotel now offers 445 rooms equipped with Chromecast-enabled TVs and White Company toiletries. Guests can also enjoy a dining area, Leo’s Bar and Restaurant, and a spacious gym.