Liverpool has been named the Best UK City by travel industry professionals, beating off stiff competition from Cardiff, London and York.
Readers of Group Leisure – the UK’s number one monthly magazine for group travel organisers – voted the city as their favourite choice.
The announcement was made on Wednesday (21 September), at the annual Group Leisure Awards ceremony held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole, presented by actor Gary Lucy and Group Leisure magazine editor, Rob Yandell.
The accolade comes just weeks after readers of Condé Nast Traveller voted Liverpool as the UK’s Friendliest City for a second successive year.
Lorraine Rogers, Chief Executive of The Mersey Partnership – official Tourist Board for Liverpool City Region – said: “It is a fantastic accolade for Liverpool to be voted the Best UK City by readers of Group Leisure magazine. The destination has benefited from major investment in recent years, resulting in new attractions, hotels and events which, together with our rich culture and heritage, play a vital part in attracting first time visitors and encouraging others to return.
“The successful Coach Welcome Scheme has further enhanced the overall visitor experience for the group travel market. The city has a strong appeal to all types of groups; international visitors on their first trip to Britain attracted by our Beatles links; UK groups wanting to see our cultural attractions and spectacular Waterfront – part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – and those looking for fantastic shopping at Liverpool ONE followed by the legendary nightlife.
“This award is testament to the collective efforts of those working in the Visitor Economy to make Liverpool City Region a ‘must visit’ destination.”
The Awards coincide with the two-day Group Leisure & Travel Trade Show, taking place at Birmingham NEC this week.
TMP is exhibiting at the show with partners, Liverpool Attractions Group (LAG), National Museums Liverpool (NML) and Liverpool Cathedral, to promote the destination and strengthen the mid-week market.
Rob Yandell, Editor of Group Leisure, said: “The group travel market is still incredibly strong. Our readership of active group travel organisers has a tough job ensuring everything they plan runs smoothly so it is particularly interesting to see who, what and where they think is the best.”
Councillor Wendy Simon, Liverpool City Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, said: “This is wonderful news and a well deserved accolade for the city. Our tourism offer improves year on year – there’s so much to see and do in the city and many visitors return time and time again to enjoy everything Liverpool has to offer. And as well as the attractions, Liverpool prides itself on the warm welcome visitors receive, and so scooping the title is much-deserved recognition for all those involved in our tourism industry.”
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