Liverpool has been named one of the world's best cities in which to hold a conference by the events industry 'bible', with the location breaking into the top 100 list for the first time.
The north-western city is now ranked higher than the likes of New York, Moscow and Venice, following the opening of the Arena and Convention Centre at King's Dock.
It is ranked 86th out of 300 destinations in the list published by the International Congress and Convention Association and has broken into Europe's top 50.
In the UK, Liverpool has entered the top five as a major conference destination.
Warren Bradley, lead of Liverpool City Council, said the ranking was a boost for the region's reputation.
''We knew a world class conference centre was vital to our future prosperity, and with the cultural and retail offer to match, Liverpool's global appeal to businesses and tourists will continue to grow and grow," he added.
Meanwhile, Eric Galbraith, chief executive of the British Insurance Brokers Association, has praised Manchester Central as an event venue following the organisation's conference there last week.
