National Museums Liverpool (NML), which operates eight museums and galleries in the city, is worth more than £115m to the local economy and supports 2,274 full-time jobs in the city.

A study by the North West Research Service (NWRS) shows that a total of 2.74 million people visited NML's museums and galleries during 2008, an increase of 36 per cent on the previous year (2007).

According to the report, NML generated £79.3m worth of direct and indirect visitor spend in the local economy. NML directly employs 624 full-time jobs while supporting a further 174 jobs in the area by using regional suppliers.

National Museums Liverpool director Dr David Fleming said: "Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture has certainly helped increase our visitor figures, and as the backbone to cultural activity in the city, we had an extraordinary year.

"However, the benefits to Liverpool of being European Capital of Culture, and the impact of having the only national museum service in England outside of London, are far more than a brilliant series of exhibitions and events."

"There has been a steady increase in our impact levels since 2001, likely to be significantly enhanced with the opening of the Museum of Liverpool in 2010-11, central to the regeneration of the city's historic waterfront."

NML is made up of eight museums and galleries, including the Walker Art Gallery, the International Slavery Museum and Merseyside Maritime Museum. It is the only English national museum group based entirely outside of London.

The new Museum of Liverpool is currently under construction at the city's Pier Head and is due to open in 2010-11. More than 750,000 visitors a year are expected to visit the new museum each year.