NOTTINGHAM is head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to attracting growing numbers of visitors, recent figures have revealed.
According to data from Springboard, the number of people coming to the city centre in February was up 7.3 per cent compared to February last year.
Nottingham outperformed cities across the region as well other as UK towns and cities.
Neil Fincham, a director of the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID) and manager of the Exchange, was pleased with the results.
He said: "Clearly it is very good news that the number of people coming to Nottingham is increasing, particularly when you learn that other cities aren't performing quite as well.
"Nottingham is a great city for shopping and leisure activities with major chains represented here as well as lots of independents and specialists."
Mr Fincham added that the BID was working on marketing campaigns to help improve people's visits, as well as improving cleanliness, safety and access.
He added: "It is all these factors that help to make the city an attractive place to visit and to encourage people to spend time here."
Nottingham's increase was 5.8 per cent higher than the average seen in other destinations in the East Midlands, just 1.5 per cent.
Nottingham has also increased its rolling 12-month annual figures by 0.2 per cent against a backdrop of falling figures for the UK and other towns and cities.
Councillor Nick McDonald, city council portfolio holder for jobs, skills and business, said: "Nottingham has a unique blend of entertainment, shopping and leisure facilities to offer and the footfall figures show it remains a top-tier city centre to visit.
"It's also worth noting that we have the second highest number of independent retailers outside of London.
"Of course it is important that we continue to build that offer. Through the encouragement of creative businesses in the Creative Quarter, the work on the new tramlines and the refurbishment of the railway station, we are making our city centre an increasingly attractive and vibrant place to visit."
Among forthcoming activities is a major fashion event – 48 Hours Of Fashion – taking place in a large marquee in the Old Market Square on April 26-27 which will showcase what the city's fashion retailers have to offer.
The free event will have choreographed performances taking place throughout the day and masterclasses from popular city-centre businesses.
