Bristol’s Eurovision bid hits the right note with city hoteliers

Hoteliers are backing a bid for Bristol to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, claiming it will be a huge boost for their businesses.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees announced at the weekend that the city would like to host the iconic contest at the Brabazon Hangar site in Filton.

The 2022 Eurovision Song Contest was won by Ukraine but organisers say the conflict in that country means it will not be able to host it next year.

The United Kingdom finished runners-up, thanks to Sam Ryder’s Spaceman, so the BBC has been asked to take on hosting duties for the 2023 contest.

In a video message, Marvin Rees said: “As a global and diverse city of sanctuary, Bristol can be the caretaker of next year’s Eurovision Song Contest.

“We’re working in partnership with YTL Arena Bristol on a bid to bring Eurovision to the Brabazon Hangars.”

Raphael Herzog, chair of the Bristol Hoteliers Association, welcome the news.
He said: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a huge event with a massive worldwide audience and hosting it in Bristol would undoubtedly put our city on the map and be a huge boost for tourism.

“The event itself will see a huge demand for accommodation, as well as bringing visitors and supporters from all over Europe, and beyond, who may well want to make a return visit in the future as tourists once they get a glimpse of all that Bristol and the surrounding area has to offer.

“This is a remarkable opportunity for the city and would be a huge boost to hoteliers and other hospitality businesses as we continue on the slow, and challenging, road to recovery after the pandemic.

“We wish the Mayor and YTL Arena Bristol all the best with putting their bid together and will be keeping everything crossed that this amazing event can come to Bristol.

“The YTL Arena will be a huge asset to the city; showcasing it with an event like the Eurovision Song Contest will be invaluable in promoting Bristol as an event and tourism destination – and, of course, as a place to stay.”