Liverpool’s Capital of Culture status has seen it become one of Europe’s leading city break destinations. The Merseyside city is rivalling the likes of Amsterdam and Venice for online bookings and searches, according to Alpharooms.com, one of the UK’s leading online tour operators.

Liverpool has attracted more than double the amount of bookings according to alpharooms.com so far this year than it did for the same period in 2007, as tourists flock to enjoy the programme of cultural events.

Last week’s Google rankings also showed that Liverpool was the most searched for city worldwide, having been catapulted into the global spotlight following the recent launch weekend.

Lee Goodwin, alpharooms.com’s Commercial Analyst, said: “We always expected to see an increase in bookings as Liverpool launched its European Capital of Culture year, but we never expected the sheer volume of last minute bookings we’ve had in just the first few weeks in January.

“Liverpool has always been a popular destination for our customers, but the added attraction of their Capital of Culture status has really boosted its profile as a top worldwide destination.”

Liverpool is alpharooms.com’s best selling non capital city in the UK in January so far, outsold only by London and Edinburgh.

With 350 events being held in the city this year and 70 per cent of these free of charge, Liverpool and the North West as a whole is attracting an influx of tourists keen to soak up the Capital of Culture atmosphere.

Kris Donaldson, Executive Director for Liverpool’s Capital of Culture Company, said: “Liverpool has always had a fantastic cultural heritage, but this year we’ve got the perfect opportunity to showcase the city, and all it has to offer, to an international audience.

“The booking boom reported by alpharooms.com is testament to the popularity of the city, particularly following our launch event earlier this month.

“The feedback from tourists to the city so far has been fantastic and the new attractions the city has invested in to mark this year, including superb art galleries and heritage facilities, will ensure our continued popularity going forwards.”

For more information on accommodation available in the UK and abroad, visit Alpharooms.com.