Bradford is ‘gaining popularity as a travel destination’

A surprising tourist destination

The accommodation booking site claims they have seen a 25 per cent increase in searches for those looking to stay in the city.

It has partnered with Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture to encourage locals across West Yorkshire to open their homes and "welcome the influx of culture enthusiasts to the region".

The company is investing £100,000 in the partnership as they collaborate to "identify and support initiatives that promote cultural heritage, sustainable tourism, and economic regeneration across the district and wider region".

They want to encourage more locals to become hosts in the hope that they can showcase lesser-known areas of the rural district.

Airbnb is the official accommodation provider for Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and as a result they will offer a £100 travel coupon to anyone hosting their first guest in West Yorkshire until December 31 2025.

As part of the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture programme, over 1000 events have been scheduled to take place across the area.

It is hoped these events will generate an additional £136.9m in visitor spend to the local economy.

The cultural programme kicked off in January with the launch event ‘RISE’ attracting 20,000 people to an open-air theatrical spectacle in the city centre.

Upcoming highlights include this year’s Turner Prize; new exhibitions at the recently transformed National Science and Media Museum, and the nationwide drawing project ‘DRAW!’ supported by David Hockney.

The executive director of Bradford 2025, Daniel Bates said: “The many wonderful, diverse communities who live here have been awake to Bradford’s charms for decades – and now we’re attracting attention and curiosity from across the globe.

"Bradford has a growing reputation as one of the most welcoming places in the country – and this fantastic partnership with Airbnb is a chance to cement this once and for all. 

“We know that the cultural sector and local businesses will benefit from a boost in tourism in our UK City of Culture year and now residents can also earn some extra income by becoming an Airbnb host, helping us to showcase the beauty and breadth of the district.

"It’s also an opportunity for visitors to live like a local, experience the real Bradford and find out about our cultural gems and the best places to eat, drink and visit direct from local people who live, breathe and love this place.”