BIRMINGHAM TAKES CHARGE OF VISITOR ECONOMY GROWTH WITH SUCCESSFUL ACCOMMODATION BID BALLOT
Image credit: West Midlands Growth Company
Hotels and accommodation providers vote strongly in favour of a new industry-led investment model, placing Birmingham alongside cities such as Manchester and Liverpool in driving growth through collective sector investment.
In a landmark moment for Birmingham's visitor economy, the city's accommodation sector has voted to establish its first Accommodation BID (or ABID), creating a dedicated industry-led investment model that mirrors successful schemes in Manchester and Liverpool, giving Birmingham businesses a stronger role in shaping the city's future as a visitor destination.
The ballot delivered a clear endorsement from eligible accommodation providers, with 64% of votes cast in favour and59% of total rateable value voting in support of the 2027-2032 Business Plan.
With 54% voter turnout, the result demonstrates the sector's commitment to working collectively to support destination growth, attract more visitors, increase overnight stays and strengthen Birmingham's position as a leading UK business and leisure destination.
Developed in partnership with industry stakeholders and led by the Birmingham Hospitality Association with support from Birmingham Colmore, the Accommodation BID will unite Birmingham's accommodation sector behind a shared programme of investment focused on subvention attraction, destination marketing, business advocacy, and initiatives that will attract more visitors, events and overnight stays to Birmingham.
Joanne Gray led the Accommodation BID development and is the Co-Chair of the Birmingham Hospitality Association.She said: "This is a landmark moment for Birmingham's accommodation sector. We are thrilled that Birmingham accommodation providers have voted decisively in favour of the Accommodation BID and have recognised the benefits of coming together behind a shared vision for our city.
The successful ballot provides us with a powerful platform to invest in Birmingham's visitor economy, strengthen our destination offer and ensure the accommodation sector has a strong, unified voice. We would like to thank every business that engaged with the process and supported this important initiative, we can’t wait to get started."
The BID will begin delivering its business plan on 1 April 2027, working closely with accommodation providers, the Birmingham Hospitality Association, the West Midlands Growth Company and wider visitor economy partners.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive at West Midlands Growth Company, said: "We warmly welcome the successful ballot result and congratulate everyone involved in bringing the Accommodation BID to fruition.
The Birmingham Accommodation BID will play a vital role in strengthening Birmingham’s ability to attract major conferences, festivals, exhibitions and business events. By strengthening collaboration across the sector and investing in subvention and destination development, the BID will help ensure Birmingham both remains highly competitive and an attractive place to visit, stay and do business."
The successful ballot marks the beginning of a new chapter for Birmingham's accommodation and tourism sector, creating a dedicated mechanism through which businesses can collectively invest and independently deliver initiatives that drive occupancy, increase visitor spending and support the city's long-term economic ambitions.
To find out more, visit https://birminghamhospitality.co.uk/abid/.