BOLTON'S tourism trade is booming, according to the latest figures.

The value of the town's tourism industry has risen by more than £20 million — with visitor numbers up by an incredible 200,000.

Latest research has revealed a continued rise in the value of the borough’s tourism sector which now stands at £394 million.

This increase has led to a jobs boost for Bolton, with the number of roles supported by the tourism industry standing at 5,180 — an increase of more than 200.

The figures have been compiled as part of an annual research report by Marketing Manchester in collaboration with the 10 Greater Manchester authorities and compares figures from 2013 with the previous year.

The report shows that the number of people visiting Bolton rose from 6.2 million in 2012 to 6.4 million the following year.

Bolton Council’s cabinet member for development and regeneration, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said the boost was partly down to a “growing profiled of events” including the popular Food and Drink Festival and the Ironman UK and Ironkids endurance events.

He added: “This is great news. Bolton is actively promoting itself as a tourism destination and these figures show that despite the economic climate visitors are still coming.

“As well as the events, visitors have also been attracted by Bolton’s range of hotel and guesthouse accommodation and location.

Cllr Zaman said he also believes ongoing development work in the town centre including a project to create a cinema along with restaurants and bars at the town centre Market Place shopping centre and the £48 million pound transport interchange scheme will be “key” to attracting more people to the town in the years to come.

Bolton’s most visited destination is Bolton Museum and Aquarium, with 378,202 flocking to the Le Mans Crescent site — which is now the tenth most popular free attraction in the North West region.

The museum has benefited from Sunday and Bank Holiday opening since 2012 and its varied exhibitions draw in crowds from across the country.

Other popular attractions that continue to draw crowds of tourists are Smithills Hall, Hall I’th Wood and Bolton Market in Ashburner Street.

The Food and Drink festival, which takes place each year in August and sees celebrity chefs join hundreds of stall holders in the town centre, has often been seen as the jewel in the crown of the council’s events calendar.

This is reflected in growing visitor figures, with 130,000 flocking to the event in 2013 compared with 102,000 the year before.

Cllr John Byrne is the council’s member for culture, he said: “The popularity of our museums continues to grow and over the years we have adapted to meet the changing needs of our visitors.

“Since introducing Sunday and Bank Holiday opening in 2012, we have seen our visitor numbers increase.

“In addition, we organise family activities and events throughout the year, and with the extra opening days we can tailor our activities to complement major events like Ironman UK and the Food and Drink Festival.

“We also have an interesting and varied exhibition calendar, which attracts visitors from far and wide.”