As residents, we believe that Manchester can offer an excellent citybreak experience for the right customer. And with the benefit of our local knowledge, we can also point to a wealth of attractions within easy reach which would keep a suitably briefed visitor intrigued for a month. BUT, most overseas tourists don't know about these ... it is up to us to market the wider region effectively. A visitor who has 'seen and done' Manchester may be wholly unaware of Chester, The Lake District, Snowdonia, York / Durham and many other amazing places easily accessed via this airport.
Though not a Manchester resident, I can agree with the sentiments regarding the largely unknown (to foreigners) hinterland of Manchester, and for that matter, Birmingham, Leeds, Newcastle, Cardiff and many others.
This is a problem created by the UK Tourism industry that concentrates it's efforts on London, then a handfull other locations such as Stratford uopn Avon, and York - but the premise is that during your trip you WILL go to London (by order!).
The rest of UK really needs to band together and promote the Midlands, Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Wales properly - Bord Failte, originating from the Irish Republic, does a fair job for NI I believe and Scotland looks after itself.