The Tourist Information Centre handles nearly 120,000 enquiries a year and it is estimated that tourism activity contributes 156,000,000 to the Borough's economy, supporting about 4,600 jobs. Approximately five million day visitors come each year to make use of Milton Keynes' excellent shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities. Due to its geographical location, Milton Keynes is the ideal base for touring central southern England. Realising the potential of this market, Milton Keynes Council's Tourism Development Unit has been actively promoting it to both domestic and overseas visitors and tour and travel organisers. Further, specifically targeted marketing activity will be carried out in northern Europe when the direct Eurostar service to and from Paris and Brussels begins operating out of Milton Keynes Central station.
Location is also an important factor for conference, meeting and event organisers.
This has led to an increase in enquiries and, in response, the Council has set up a Conference Desk, which not only helps enquirers find a suitable venue in the area but also assists them in other ways, such as organising familiarisation visits, advice on local support services, providing delegate information and advice on tours and social programmes. Milton Keynes attracts many visitors with a special interest in architecture and town planning, who are interested in the way it has been developed. Indeed, it is on the European itineraries of many overseas students in these fields. Milton Keynes has a number of facilities such as the National Hockey stadium and the National Badminton Centre, which draw people from around the country for special events, and the National Bowl has become a major music venue which attracts artists and audiences from around the world. In addition, a number of leisure centres in the Borough act as hosts to national sporting events and many visitors attending events at nearby Woburn Golf Club and Silverstone choose to stay in Milton Keynes.