LIVERPOOL Echo Arena and Convention Centre have generated more than £400m for the city region's economy since it opened in January, 2008.

The presence of the £164m ACC, on the city's World Heritage waterfront, is a major reason why Liverpool City Region is also fast becoming known as the "capital of conferencing'".

Over the past 3½ years, it has welcomed over 1.9m visitors to 415 events and almost 230,000 delegates to different conferences.

ACC Liverpool's chief executive Bob Prattey said that the venue's success had taken even its senior management by surprise.

He said: "Despite the fact that we opened at the start of one of the worst recessions, we were profitable by the end of year two. I think it's fair to say that Liverpool has never had a facility like this before and it has proved very effective in stimulating regeneration and economic growth."

"We also opened at the right time because it was the Capital of Culture year which drew millions of people to the city.

"In 2008 alone, we hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year - which were all fantastic events to consolidate our position

"But this venue has proved instrumental in bringing tourists - both business and leisure - into the city region since then.

"For example, we hosted more than 6,000 delegates at the Royal College of Nursing's annual conference earlier this year.

"Many of these required hotel space for the duration and were also spending money across the city.

"We always ask for feedback from all our delegates and the vast majority were delighted with what they discovered in Liverpool and have every intention of returning.

"Many talked about the buzz they encountered in the city - which is a comment which is often made - as well as the friendliness of the people they encounter here.

"I think that the role of what is conventionally known as the "Liverpool welcome" in attracting and retaining tourists cannot be understated."