According to research published today in association with Liverpool City Council, Eurovision 2023 had a hugely positive impact on the city’s economy, community, service industry, cultural relations and international perceptions.

The cornerstone of this was the revelation that it added an estimated 54.8 million pounds to the local economy from bars, hotels, restaurants, shops and more. Nearly half a million people visited the city over the course of the two weeks in May, smashing the council’s expectations of 100,000 visitors and a £25m economic boost from their bid a year ago. This figure included about 300,000 who came solely for the festivals, concerts and cultural events taking place around the city rather than the shows themselves, 0ver 250,000 of which visited the hugely successful Eurovillage on Pier Head.

About 31,000 fans visited from outside the UK, and the live shows were attended by citizens of 49 different countries. Opinions of the Contest were overwhelmingly positive: 42% of international fans surveyed said Eurovision had a positive impact on their opinion of the UK, with 51% unchanged and 5% unsure. 96% of everyone who came said they’d recommend Liverpool as a tourist destination, including 99% of OGAE members. The city also saw its highest hotel attendance for 5 years.

The live shows themselves, once again, had a huge impact worldwide, with final consolidated viewing figures at 162 million, up slightly on 2022.

Local political figures have been quick to praise this research. According to council leader Liam Johnson: “The numbers speak for themselves. Jobs were created, local businesses were on the receiving end of a much-needed boost and hundreds of thousands of people came to the city, had a great time and are more than likely to return again.” Liverpool City Region Mayor Steven Rotheram said the week had given fans “a Eurovision they will never forget” and the local economy “a vital shot in the arm”.

Liverpool was given the job of hosting Eurovision in the UK for the first time since Birmingham 25 years prior, on behalf of Ukraine who won the Contest in 2022 but couldn’t host due to the ongoing war. The bid included cultural engagement with Ukraine and heavy involvement of the local Ukrainian population and production companies. The education and community programmes presented that week directly engaged with over 50,000 people.

The contest will be head to Malmö next year following Loreen’s victory at Liverpool Arena, and if these numbers are anything to go by, the city should prove a hard act to follow.

Did you attend Eurovision in Liverpool? What impact did the 2023 Contest have on you, whether you went or watched it on TV? Remember to follow ESCBubble on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube for more exclusive Eurovision content!