A MAJOR £350k marketing campaign has been launched to encourage more people to take short city breaks in Merseyside.

Inward investment agency The Mersey Partnership (TMP) has launched a series of projects, including an advertising campaign on the London Underground and the launch of the latest edition of the VisitLiverpool Visitor Guide.

An advert with the slogan “It’s happening in Liverpool”, featuring images of the city’s attractions, has appeared in national newspapers and magazines.

The same advert has appeared on posters at London Underground stations. Meanwhile, the 150-page Visitor Guide features more than 300 tourism-related businesses from hotels to bars and restaurants.

TMP has also launched a new edition of its Conference Portfolio, which is sent to 8,000 leading event organisers and conference buyers. And an Events Guide, produced with Daily Post parent Trinity Mirror, showcases events across the region.

Liverpool FC’s managing director Ian Ayre, who chairs TMP’s visitor economy committee, said: “The new VisitLiverpool Visitor Guide is effectively the shop window for Liverpool city region and everything the destination has to offer, and it is a vital tool in TMP’s marketing activity.

“Potential visitors will use the guide to plan their visit before they arrive, therefore maximising the time they have here to ensure the best possible visitor experience.”

The campaigns have been funded by TMP, sponsors, and European cash.