Boxing and Science to boost local economy

Liverpool’s Accommodation BID has supported two major events coming to the city this September, each expected to give a boost to the local economy. The World Boxing Championship (4-14 September) and The British Science Festival (10-14 September) have been supported by the ABID’s Sports and Culture Fund.

The ABID fund is part of a subvention fund, generated by the levy in place for overnight stays in the city’s hotels. Those applying to the fund have to show that their event will increase overnight stays, will attract people to Liverpool and improve the perception of the city, showcasing Liverpool as a thriving destination and should be sustainable with a commitment to equality and diversity.

The World Boxing Championships, which begins this week, is expected to reign 15,000 visitors to the city, with 11,000 bed nights.

Last month, the British Chess Championships brought a boost to the city, with footfall in the area up by +5.8% v 2024. Occupancy is at 72% around St Georges Hall from 31/07 to 09/08, +9.5% on 2024.

This tallies with other major events which bring a benefit to the local economy; Footfall is up 14.5% when a football match takes place, according to 2025. It is up +17.3% for Liverpool FC and +11.4% for Everton. The Grand National caused a 23% rise in footfall over the course of the sporting weekend.  The concerts at Anfield in June 2025 saw visitors flock to the city. Bruce Springsteen from 4-7 June had 94% hotel occupancy, +26% from 2024. That gig had Liverpool ranked 2nd highest in the world for hotel occupancy on 7 June & top in the UK. Dua Lipa on 24 and 25 June saw 89% occupancy, up +14% from 2024. That put Liverpool in the top 20 in the UK for hotel occupancy & 45th in the world on the 24th June.

Bill Addy is CEO of Liverpool BID Company

“The ambition of the hotel industry is to create a circular and sustainable visitor economy, where we see the levy help to support major events which, in turn, see a spend in the local economy. It’s vital that we have this pragmatic and commercial approach, because, as the private sector understands, having this key marker of impact, of overnight stays and increased local spend, helps us to identify the events which will have the biggest impact on our hospitality and our cultural sectors.”

The World Boxing Championship

https://www.worldboxingliverpool.com/tickets

British Science Festival brought by the British Science Association, in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University and University of Liverpool.

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