More than 2,600 jobs have been delivered by an economic programme which ran alongside last year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, according to newly published analysis.
The Business and Tourism Programme (BATP) was launched in 2021 and claimed to be the first-ever economic legacy programme to be aligned with the quadrennial festival of sport.
The aim was to capitalise on the so-called 'halo effect' of the games by boosting trade, investment and tourism.
The BATP has now published findings into the effectiveness of the initiative which held more than 450 global events and attracted 60 foreign investment projects to the West Midlands.
The programme also helped to bring in more than 141 million visitors in 2022, contributing £17.2 million to the region's economy.
Now officially closed, it was delivered by the West Midlands Growth Company in collaboration with central Government, tourism body VisitBritain and the West Midlands Combined Authority.
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It said it expected the benefits of the programme to be felt until 2027 while the Commonwealth Games itself contributed more than £430 million to the regional economy. A focus of the BATP has been securing additional major sporting events and conferences for the region.
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So far, 20 different events have chosen the West Midlands including the FIM World Supercross Championships 2023, the Kabaddi World Club 2025 and the European Athletics Championships 2026.
Another legacy of the programme will see the West Midlands Growth Company co-develop an international strategy for the region with the Department for Business and Trade, aimed at bringing foreign investment and tourism into the West Midlands.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: "The 2022 Commonwealth Games showcased Birmingham and the West Midlands to the world. The Business and Tourism Programme was an integral part of that promotional endeavour.
"Over the past two years, we've been pitching 'Brand WM' to new audiences all around the world, attracting record numbers of visitors and levels of investment to our region. The results are clear to see.
"Whether it's the latest tourism figures or foreign direct investment statistics, we can see that the eyes of the world are on the West Midlands like never before. The games was an essential part of that marketing success story."
Stuart Andrew, sports minister at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, said: "This time last year, Birmingham showcased itself to the world with a record-breaking Commonwealth Games.
"It highlighted the 海角视频's strong track record when it comes to hosting premier sporting events. As a part of this success, the Business and Tourism Programme contributed more than £17 million to the West Midlands' economy.
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"It has also created more than 2,500 jobs since its inception. We are determined to see that legacy continue and are investing another £70 million to boost jobs and skills, fund cultural and creative projects and improve access to sports facilities for the next generation of stars."
Neil Rami, chief executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said: "The Business and Tourism Programme has provided a springboard for the West Midlands and it's been great to reflect on those successes as well as the unique spirit of collaboration and shared sense of vision that major events can invoke.
"Despite the benefits realisation period running until 2027, the BATP has already made a lasting impact, both in terms of its contribution to the regional economy and serves as a template for future success when it comes to marketing the region internationally."