A new fund has been launched by Liverpool’s Accommodation BID of almost £10m to support events hosted by the city.
The fund is generated from the overnight £2 per room per night visitor charge, managed by the Liverpool Accommodation BID, a business improvement district governed by the city’s accommodation industry, and managed by Liverpool Business Improvement District.
Almost £7m of the fund is forecast to be spent on major events, £1m will be invested in destination marketing and the remaining funds will be invested in visitor economy support.
Bill Addy is CEO of Liverpool Business Improvement District,
“We’re delighted to be able to release the details of the funding to support Liverpool’s visitor economy. We have a clear objective in attracting events that drive overnight stays. We know that daytrippers are increasing, but it is that overnight market, which spends more in the visitor economy, we have to target. There is real value in targeting investment on direct visitor activity, helping money flow into the city economy from overnight stays, food and drink, retail, and the wider supply chain in hospitality. This creates a more sustainable and stable visitor economy. Relying on a seasonal visitor economy means more seasonal jobs and potentially wider youth unemployment. If we have a sustainable year round visitor economy, we have a more stable path of investment and security”.
Marcus Magee is Chair of the Accommodation BID Board,
“This fund is about creating a sustainable partnership between the Accommodation BID, accommodation sector and the visitor economy. We know that this is a successful private sector led initiative, enabling a circular economy where we can generate investment from overnight stays. This allows us to have a marker of success, but it also allows for a strong economy that maximises investment, strengthens hospitality and makes the city a more attractive place to visit and spend time”.
Liverpool’s overnight levy has been in place since June 2025. It has contributed to events in the city, including the Labour Party Conference, World Chess Championships and World Boxing Championships. In July last year, Liverpool’s hotels saw their highest occupancy rate for a month, with the city ranking in the top 20 for occupancy rates over weekends globally in 2025.
Tourism contributes 4% to the GDP across all regions and nations of the UK. In the Liverpool city region it is worth £6.2bn a year. The direct visitor economy in the UK in 2024 generated an estimated £70bn in direct GDP impacts and a wider £78bn through the supply chain. Tax revenue through income tax and National Insurance Contributions by employers and employees was £17bn (figures from Visit Britain).
The Conferences and Exhibition Fund has two rounds of applications, Friday 29 May and Friday 28 August. The funding criteria and eligibility for application is here https://liverpoolbidcompany.com/liverpool-accommodation-bid-conferences-exhibitions-fund/
