MERSEYSIDE’S tourism economy is bucking the national trend with annual growth, according to figures due to be released today .

The figures for 2010 show 5% growth in tourism spend and supported jobs, an increase of 8% in staying visitors and 4% in day visitors compared to 2009.

The data is from independent research commissioned by region’s tourism board The Mersey Partnership (TMP), and shows that in 2010 an estimated 54.5m visitor trips were made to Liverpool city region.

This total comprised 4.4m staying visitors and 50.1m day visitors.

By comparison, UK performance figures published by national tourism body VisitBritain estimate that in 2010 domestic overnight tourism fell by 5% and overseas staying visits dropped by 0.3%.

The impressive figures have been independently verified and prepared using a nationally adopted model and methodology.

TMP chief executive Lorraine Rogers said: “In the current economic climate, few sectors are showing growth.

“Liverpool city region’s visitor economy is not only showing strong growth but is significantly exceeding national performance levels.

“The increase in visitors and 5% growth in visitor spend reflects the appeal of the destination to growing business and leisure audiences as well as greater awareness through effective marketing and PR of what’s available here for visitors.

“Other research shows growth in the City Region’s Visitor Economy in 2010 was ranked third ahead of other sectors including transport, financial services and manufacturing.”

Liverpool council leader Cllr Joe Anderson said the figures show the city was now a must-visit destination.

“The number of visitors coming to Liverpool is increasing year on year, and this is thanks to our outstanding tourism offer, along with the renowned warm welcome people receive when they spend time in the city.”