Hospitality bonanza for Champions League showdown

The Manchester Evening News expects to see corporate event organisers capitalise on the unprecedented English interest in this year's Champions League final.

As Chelsea prepare to take on Manchester United on May 21st, hotels, bars and other venues are gearing up for a massive boost to trade, as hospitality is laid on for clients and employees unable to travel.

Demand for plane tickets is so high that Manchester Airport has forecast additional revenue of £1 million that night alone from airline landing fees, extra car park charges and bumper retail sales.

Pub chains, particularly in London and Manchester, are also expected to see reign in record takings as crowds flock to watch the action on big screens.

Flights to Moscow to see the game live are extremely limited, even despite attempts to lay on extra seats, while accommodation in the Russian capital is scarce with deliberately hiked prices.

Companies conscious of the widespread desire to watch the game with colleagues will have already booked up corporate venues to entertain staff and key clients.

Fans of the respective teams are also expected to splash out further should their team win.

Grant Thornton partner Alastair Nuttal told the Manchester Evening News: "The feelgood factor will undoubtedly create a significant impact," discussing the prospect of Sir Alex's team triumphing on the night.

Should Avram Grant's Chelsea beat the Red Devils, there are likely to be equally significant extravagances in the blue west of London.

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