Visitor economy soars to £2.7 billion – but county facing hotel bed shortage

New figures show tourism sector's worth to Staffordshire is way up on pre-pandemic levels but demand is outstripping supply when it comes to accommodation. Joseph Richards reports

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STAFFORDSHIRE faces a shortage of hotel beds - despite its visitor economy being valued at £2.7 billion.

Recently published figures have revealed the economy has enjoyed a 30 per cent increase on pre-pandemic levels.

But sector leaders say Staffordshire faces a shortfall of between 700 to 1,000 hotel beds, particularly in strategic locations such as the A50/A500 corridor, urban centres, and near key business hubs.

While the county offers a wide range of accommodation, serviced hotels remain limited, and demand is outstripping supply.