Latest figures from travel website Expedia show a huge leap in interest with a bigger growth in visitors than Thailand, Australia and Europe this year Birmingham has seen a 118 per cent increase in Christmas and New Year bookings to become the fastest growing destination in the world. Latest figures from travel website Expedia show a huge leap in interest with a bigger growth in visitors than Thailand, Australia and Europe this year. With the city boasting the biggest German Christmas market outside of Germany, it seems that Brits may be opting for a trip to the Midlands rather than travelling to the Continent to get their gluhwein and bratwurst fix, according to Expedia. Birmingham has also seen a boost in shoppers with the increasing popularity of the Bullring and the iconic Selfridges store over the past 10 years. Emma Gray, director of marketing services at Visit Birmingham, the city's leisure tourism programme, said: "Birmingham's festive offer grows stronger every year, with a record number of visitors tempted by the city's unbeatable shopping scene, great selection of restaurants, affordable hotels and magical Christmas events. "News that travel bookings to the city are on the rise is fantastic and we look forward to welcoming even more people to Birmingham to enjoy more fun-filled festive frolics." The retail offer and the new look New Street train station and Birmingham Library have all contributed to the city becoming the most popular option for Britons staying in the UK for the festive period. David Whitley, head of marketing at London Midland, confirmed that activity across the train company's routes mirrored Expedia's figures. Mr Whitley said: "Birmingham is definitely a popular place to visit this season. Last week London Midland saw record-breaking numbers for people travelling by train around the West Midlands." Sydney (93 per cent) is in second place in terms of growth, with Southern Hemisphere sunshine and Ashes cricket piquing travellers' interest. Dublin is at number five with an 84 per cent increase while Glasgow (82 per cent) and Manchester (67 per cent) are the other British cities to figure in the greatest growth destinations table. The top destinations overall for 2013/14 were New York City, followed by London and Paris. See Birmingham in 30 seconds with this Visit Birmingham video made to promote the city. Can you spot every location? The changes in Birmingham and the city's growing popularity have been well recognised - particularly from overseas. In 2012, New York Times mentioned the city as one of the best places to visit that year. Another publication, the New York Magazine, recently ran an article about winter travel entitled 'Birmingham Instead of London'. According to journalist Julie Earle-Levine, 'Londoners, as well as the rest of the world, are starting to reconsider the Brums', due to the city's 'burgeoning food scene'. The city's cultural offerings could 'keep pace with the capital,' the writer argued, citing the Birmingham Royal Ballet, Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company, and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, as well as a rock scene that 'launched Ozzy Osbourne and Duran Duran.' Last month Birmingham beat competition from London, Liverpool and York to be named Best UK City to visit. Greatest Growth Destinations 1 Birmingham, England, 118% 2 Sydney, NSW, Australia, 93% 3 Canary Islands, Spain, 91% 4 Phuket, Thailand, 87% 5 Dublin, Ireland, 84% 6 Glasgow, Scotland, 82% 7 Amsterdam, Netherlands, 75% 8 Brussels, Belgium, 75% 9 Manchester, England, 67% 10 Bruges, 59% Picture courtesy of Guy Evans of Birmingham Culture using creative commons license

• published: 05 Dec 2013
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