Coventry’s bid to become UK City of Culture is set for international take off thanks to its latest backing.
Birmingham Airport is supporting Coventry’s effort to land the prestigious title as a Bid Development Sponsor and joins a host of businesses and organisations behind the city’s bid.
David Burbidge, the chair of the Coventry City of Culture Trust, said it was a very significant partnership.
He said: “We are thrilled to have Birmingham Airport on board because having region-wide support is great for Coventry.
“The airport is key to bringing in visitors to Coventry and the West Midlands from across the world and a huge part of what we want to achieve is to attract more tourists to share the culture we have to offer but also to build on what we already have.
“So Birmingham Airport is a very natural fit as a partner and this is very significant for our bid.”
Coventry announced it would bid for UK City of Culture in the summer of 2015 before an official launch was staged at the Coventry Godiva Festival in July of this year.
David Winstanley, Chief Operating Officer at Birmingham Airport, said: “More than 300,000 people from Coventry use Birmingham to fly on our global services each year so we’re proud to support Coventry in this extremely worthwhile bid for it to become the UK City of Culture.
“Winning the sought-after title will give Coventry worldwide recognition and help draw visitors and investment into the area, hugely benefiting residents, businesses and tourism bodies alike.
“We look forward to being a part of this programme and working closely with the Coventry City of Culture Trust team over the coming years.”
Coventry City Council, The University of Warwick, and Coventry University are all Principal Partners of the bid and are providing significant support. The Ricoh Arena is Bid Sponsor while Jaguar Land Rover, Friargate, Coventry Building Society, the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and CEF (City Electrical Factors) are the other Bid Development Sponsors.