Jan 4 2008 by Nick Coligan, Liverpool Echo



LIVERPOOL’S Capital of Culture status has propelled it into an elite list of favourite worldwide holiday destinations.

The city makes a welcome entry at number 10 in a table which includes the likes of New Zealand, Abu Dhabi and China.

It is the only British place to make the register drawn up by top travel website Expedia.



It was compiled following a survey of more than 14,000 regular travellers who were asked where they would most like to visit this year.

Researchers believe Liverpool’s high-profile status for 2008 and international attractions such as the Tall Ships Race and MTV Europe Music Awards can be credited for its appearance.

Capital of Culture is expected to attract an extra 1.7 million visitors to Liverpool which has always held an appeal to foreign tourists thanks to its Beatles heritage and football clubs.

The year-long Capital of Cul ture celebrations are officially launched next weekend with events at the ECHO arena and St George’s Hall plateau.

But the likes of the Liverpool Nativity and the New Year’s Eve extravaganza at Liverpool cathedral have already won national acclaim.

Merseyside’s director of tourism Martin King said: “To be in a worldwide top 10 list with the likes of New Zealand and China shows how far the city has come in its appeal to travellers.

“We are expecting a bumper year in terms of both visitor numbers and hotel bookings and I know these visitors will not be disappointed when they arrive.”

Top spots
1. New Zealand
2. Argentina
3. China
4. Cape Verde
5. Abu Dhabi
6. Alaska
7. Reykjavik
8. Berlin
9. Boston
10. LIVERPOOL

 nick.coligan@liverpool.com