A NEW visitor guide to Liverpool’s tourist attractions is to go on sale around the world after being translated into six different languages.

The 124-page, full colour guide aims to build on the momentum created by Capital of Culture year, when more than 15m people visited cultural events in the city.

The Mersey Partnership (TMP) tourist board has produced 150,000 copies of the guide which will be distributed free at tourist information centres across the UK, with specially translated editions for overseas markets in France, Germany, Spain, Italy and Japan.

A further overseas edition is also being produced in Mandarin Chinese in preparation for Liverpool’s participation in the six-month 2010 World Expo in Shanghai.

The guide showcases Liverpool’s cultural attractions and its UNESCO World Heritage waterfront. It also features surrounding areas such as Wirral and Sefton – site of the Iron Men statues – along with a section profiling England’s Golf Coast.

TMP chief executive Lorraine Rogers said: “Our tourism sector is one of Liverpool City Region’s big success stories.

“The visitor economy generates £1.3bn a year, sustaining 23,000 jobs. Following a successful 2008, it is the role of TMP as the official tourist board to keep this momentum going and highlight the region as an exciting, vibrant and cosmopolitan city break destination.

“That’s exactly what the new guide does with some stunning photography and inspiring narrative text. It will be a valuable tool for anyone planning or enjoying a visit to our destination during 2009.”

In the next few weeks, TMP will also be launching a new destination advertising campaign, a campaign to profile the John Smith Grand National, and a new Golf Coast brochure and website.

Ms Rogers added: “In the current economic climate, and with exchange rates as they are, we expect to see more UK residents planning domestic short breaks.

“New routes serving Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and the launch of KLM’s hub operation via Amsterdam, mean the city is more accessible than it has ever been for our overseas visitors wanting to come and enjoy all we have to offer.”

The guide was produced with support from the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

Peter Mearns, NWDA’s executive director of marketing and communications, said: “The success of Liverpool 08 generated unprecedented interest in the Liverpool City Region and transformed its image both nationally and internationally.

“It is vital we now build on that success and encourage all those people who discovered or rediscovered Liverpool in 2008 to come back again.”

“Liverpool is in a good position to capitalise on the increasing trend to holiday at home and the provision of comprehensive, quality visitor information is the first step in enticing people to the region.”

TMP has so far received more than 1,500 requests for a copy of the new visitor guide via its website at www.visitLiverpool.com, where hard copies can be ordered and electronic copies downloaded.

alanweston