Chester
Accommodation BID
It's all about restoring Chester's competitive edge
Chester is a special place. An international destination for more than 2,000 years, where visitors are attracted to the Roman Walls and sites, the Cathedral, the historic Rows, and the oldest operational racecourse in the world.
We will implement long term benefits for levy paying accommodation providers
Turning Strategy Into Stays
The ABID will not be "just another organisation", alongside those already operating in Chester. It will act as an enabler, using its guaranteed 5 year funding to implement long term benefits for levy paying accommodation providers.
The newly formed ABID will take its position as a key city stakeholder representing the interests of its levy payers. The ABID will work alongside its strategic partners to ensure the efficient delivery of campaigns and events by sharing resources and securing best value.
Download our Business Plan & Action plan
View our objectives for the next five years, as well as the work we've done over the previous five.
Innovative, Ambitious, Vital
Chester's tourism goal is to provide the best historic city visitor experience in the UK. The city has benefited over the past decade from significant investment, including the Northgate Development, New Chester Market and Storyhouse. A thriving independent sector has boosted city centre retail. Chester's bar and restaurant scene has never been better. World class attractions such as Chester Zoo, Chester Racecourse and Chester Cathedral continue to invest in their offer while the continued growth of Cheshire Oaks helps drive the local economy.
Future investment will see the City Gateway project regenerate the area surrounding Chester train station. The second phase of the Northgate Development will provide more opportunities for people to live and work in Chester, and could include a new major visitor attraction.
However, while there is so much to be optimistic about, we are at a pivotal point in determining the city's tourism future.
Compared to both the strong growth in visitor numbers pre-Covid, as well as that seen more recently in other areas of the country, Chester is falling behind. We need to reverse this trend, win back market share, and remain competitive in the face of intense competition from other destinations.
To do this, we need more resources. Destination Chester and its partners - including Chester BID, Chester Hospitality Association (CHA), and Cheshire West and Chester Council (CW&C) - are therefore proposing the development of an Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID) for Chester.