Manchester draws the crowds
Carl Palmer
MORE than 18 million people were lured to the north west last year - boosting the region's reputation as a world-class visitor destination.
And Manchester's shopping, nightlife and stunning new attractions are highlighted as an integral part of the tourism bonanza.
The Lowry arts centre is a major jewel in the crown, along with the stunning architecture of the Imperial War Museum North and one of the icons of retail therapy, the new Harvey Nichols store on Deansgate.
The North West Tourist Board is taking part in London's World Travel Market next Monday for the first time in a decade with a portfolio of some of the most popular attractions in the country.
Andrew Stokes, managing director of Marketing Manchester, said: "Manchester is delighted to be returning to the World Travel Market.
"The profound changes in the city over recent years make it an easy place to showcase.
"As a destination for shopping, events, entertainment and just pure urban cool, it now has few rivals in the country."
More than 50,000 visitors from 189 countries will be going along to the capital's largest international travel exhibition, with delegates battling to show what they have to offer.
The Manchester message to both domestic and overseas visitors is that the city is fashionable, a capital for major events, top for sport and music, plus an ideal gateway to the rest of the region through Manchester Airport.
The campaign is organised by the North West Tourist Board and the North West Development Agency and Peter Mearns, director of marketing for NWDA, said: "In 2002, 18 million people visited the north west, contributing £6 billion to the region's economy.
"We feel a strong presence at the World Travel Market affords us the perfect platform to launch our campaign."
The NWDA invests £400 million a year to encourage economic, social, physical and environmental regeneration of the region.
In addition to Manchester, four other places in the region are described as world class.
They are the Lake District, Blackpool, the UK's brightest seaside resort, Chester, the country's most complete walled city - and Liverpool, the European Capital of Culture 2008.
The North West Tourist Board is a partnership between VisitBritain, 39 local authorities and 1,200 tourism businesses in the region
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