Liverpool has topped the table to become the UK’s most successful tourism destination during the recession, according to a report by hotel chain Travelodge.
The report ‘Weathering the Storm: UK Tourism During the Recession’ is said to be the first comprehensive study into how the UK tourism industry has performed during the longest double dip recession since the Second World War.
The average UK growth was said to be only 2.3%, however figures show that Liverpool has had a growth in visitors of 23%. More than one million visitors (1,228,000) came to Liverpool in 2011, up from 999,000 in 2007.
Liverpool leads the list as the most successful destination in the UK in terms of growth, beating off the likes of Scarborough, Skegness and York, who only managed 17% growth.
The surge is said to have been driven by a huge 91% increase in holidaymakers to Liverpool. The city is outperforming rival destination cities in the north, as Leeds saw a growth of only 1% and Manchester of just 4%.
The report suggests that since being awarded European Capital of Culture status in 2008, Liverpool has continued to build on its success. It also says there are “lessons for other cities to learn because the goal should be for more of our great cities to achieve the steady, sustained growth enjoyed in Liverpool”.
The figures come after Liverpool was recently voted one of the best destinations to visit in 2013 by global news giants CNN.