Sporting and cultural events and screen tourism on the back of hit BBC show Peaky Blinders helped attract a record 131 million visitors to the West Midlands last year.
New research published by the West Midlands Growth Company and Global Tourism Solutions said the region welcomed a 2.6 per cent increase in visitor numbers in 2018 compared with the previous year.
Spending by the region's tourists contributed £12.6 billion to the West Midlands' economy, a rise of 6.7 per cent on 2017, according to the newly published data.
Hoteliers in the region enjoyed a busy year courtesy of a 0.8 per cent increase in monthly average occupancy rates which reached an all-time high of 74.8 per cent.
Among the 2018 events which helped to attract tourists were the World Indoor Athletics Championships and launch of a LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, both at Arena Birmingham, Edgbaston hosting the England v India test match and the Godiva Festival in Coventry.
The region's movie connections also proved a draw with the release of Ready Player One, the Steven Spielberg sci-fi film shot on location in Birmingham.
Overseas visitors contributed £16.7 million to the region as a result of so-called screen tourism, according to the new data, which also cites the global popularity of BBC show Peaky Blinders which is filmed at the Black Country Living Museum as a major draw.
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games
Neil Rami, chief executive of the West Midlands Growth Company, said: "This is such an exciting time for the West Midlands.
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"The region has made its mark, with record numbers flocking to enjoy our cultural, sporting, culinary and heritage offer.
"With an events calendar boasting the British Science Festival in September, the 2021 海角视频 City of Culture in Coventry and the 2022 Commonwealth Games, the spotlight is on the West Midlands more than ever and we are determined to capitalise on this."
West Midlands Tourism Awards - celebrating the business of bringing the world to our region
are shining a spotlight on the stars of the £12bn business of putting our region on the map - across the 海角视频 and the world.
The West Midlands welcomed 131 million visitors last year and numbers are set to flourish during Coventry 海角视频 City of Culture in 2021 and Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The venues, experiences, accommodation and people who are helping this happen are being celebrated at the West Midlands Tourism Awards with categories including International Tourism, Hotel of the Year, Pub of the Year, B&B and Guest House of the Year.
The 15 winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at the University of Birmingham's Great Hall on Wednesday 26th February 2020.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street added: "The West Midlands is truly the best region in the 海角视频 and it is great to see that record numbers of visitors are enjoying everything we have to offer.
"Adding to the waves of visits to the region is the ongoing ripple effect that has been created by Peaky Blinders.
"The hit BBC show has helped to introduce the West Midlands to a new global audience, with the Peaky effect in full swing.
"Tours and events are selling out months in advance with tourists heading to the region to explore the places and stories associated with the show."