Investment Attraction
Invest in Manchester
Full Credential Description
The introduction of a direct air route between Manchester and Mumbai, announced by Manchester Airport and IndiGo, addresses a significant challenge faced by the North West of England: the low percentage of Indian visitors, particularly for business purposes. Despite 19% of Indian visitors to the UK traveling for business and spending an average of £2,273 per visit, only 8% of these visitors currently come to the North West, compared to 43% who visit London. This new service, launching on July 1, is expected to enhance the region's appeal to Indian businesses and tourists, thereby increasing the share of visitors from India.
The tailored solution provided by the new route aims to remove barriers associated with non-direct flights, making it easier for Indian companies to consider Greater Manchester for their European operations. This initiative is expected to drive growth in sectors such as fintech, advanced manufacturing, and technology, ultimately leading to job creation in the region. The establishment of a new Indian consulate in Greater Manchester further supports this effort, facilitating better trade relations and attracting high-level investments.
Quantifiable results anticipated from this initiative include a significant boost in bilateral trade, projected to increase by as much as £25.5 billion annually by 2040 due to the recent UK-India trade agreement. Additionally, the new route is expected to enhance Manchester's position as a global gateway, potentially increasing the number of Indian visitors and contributing to the local economy, which already benefits from £7.8 million annually from Indian tourists. The direct air link is also seen as a means to strengthen cultural, economic, and educational ties between the two regions, fostering closer people-to-people exchanges and unlocking new collaboration opportunities across various sectors.