The Cathedral's Director of Enterprise, Eryl Parry, was delighted to hold the award on behalf of the city's partnership as the Cathedral has been a key partner in developing Liverpool's offer to groups, working with The Mersey Partnership and Liverpool City Council.

It was readers of Group Leisure – the UK’s number one monthly magazine for group travel organisers who voted the city as their favourite choice and the accolade comes just weeks after readers of Condé Nast Traveller also 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 – commented: “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 coincided with the two-day Group Leisure & Travel Trade Show, which took place at Birmingham NEC on 21 and 22 September 2011. TMP exhibited 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.

This Welcome Scheme also features prominently on several tourism websites amongst whom is the Mersey Partnership's LiverpoolTravelTrade.com  Especially useful to all group organisers coming into the city is the'day visit' category.

Click here to see the great welcome coaches get at Liverpool Cathedral

Find out more about the great Liverpool Coach Welcome Scheme by clicking here or simply download a leaflet