Manchester’s tourism industry could be set for a further boost with the introduction of the city’s first daily sightseeing bus service this week.
The year-round hop-on hop-off service will be phased in following its inaugural journey on Good Friday and will feature commentary from Lord of the Rings and Lost actor Dominic Monaghan, who grew up in Stockport.
Despite its rapidly growing tourism economy, currently worth £7.9 billion, Manchester is currently one of few cities in the UK without a daily sightseeing bus tour.
The tour will run every day apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day with multiple departures per day and will be operated by born and bred Mancunian and experienced bus tour operator Philip Higgs.
“I’m looking forward to packing our striped green buses with tourists,” said Higgs, who has recently returned to the city after a number of years managing similar tours in other cities around Europe.
There are 15 stops on the initial route including: Manchester Town Hall, King Street, Aytoun Street, Piccadilly Gardens, Church Street, National Football Museum and Victoria Station.
The tour then moves on to Manchester Cathedral, Salford Cathedral, Salford University, The Lowry and The Quays, Trafford Road, Imperial War Museum North, Museum of Science and Industry and Bridgewater Hall before returning to Manchester Town Hall.
Monaghan said: “As a staunch Mancunian I am delighted to loan my voice to curious people exploring this fascinating city.”
‘Sightseeing Manchester’ will launch on Good Friday with the inaugural tour departing from Manchester Town Hall, Albert Square at 10.30am.
