The number of UK citizens taking a short break in Liverpool last year leapt by more than a quarter, according to a survey by VisitEngland.
The overal level of overnight stays in the UK was down by five per cent last year, but several big cities - most notably Liverpool - bucked the trend.
Liverpool was the biggest achiever with more than a million overnight visitors - up 28 per cent - while Newcastle-on-Tyne also saw a 22 per cent increase with London and York remaining popular.
The statistics do not take account of day trippers or ideed the thousands of holidaymakers who arrived on cruise ships at the Pier Head.
The figures emerged on the day that the biggest-ever liner to visit the city, "Crown Princess", berthed for a one day stay (see picture)
VisitEngland pointed to last year's disappointing summer weather as being the most likely reason that people stayed away from beaches, but was optimistic for a good season ahead for the UK's seaside cities and towns with high temperatures expected.
Meanwhile, the tourism agency's head of strategy and engagement, Jenny McGee, praised the "diverse range of attractions and cultural events" offered by the UK's big cities.
She added: "Credit should also go to clever marketing for stellar performances by the top-performing cities, especially the likes of Newcastle and Liverpool, the latter having the advantage of being named the 2008 European Capital of Culture."
VistEngland statistics for the Top Ten destinations:-
London: up 12% (11,315,000 in 2008)
Manchester: up 7% (2,501,000)
Birmingham: up 4% (2,374,000)
Bristol: down 5% (1,469,000)
Leeds up 4% (1,464,000)
Blackpool: down 26% (1,382,000)
York: up 13% (1,344,000)
Scarborough: down 10% (1,341,000)
Newcastle upon Tyne: up 22% (1,336,000)
Liverpool: up 28% (1,088,000)
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