Virgil van Dijk is representing Liverpool on and off the pitch as the Reds captain has taken on a new role with travel brand Expedia, as tourism to the city is booming

Liverpool is experiencing a tourism boom, and Virgil van Dijk knows why.

Visitors to Merseyside have increased to such an extent that travel brand Expedia have crowned Liverpool as one of their 10 global trending destinations in their Unpack 2024 guide, with searches for trips to Liverpool up 100 per cent year-on-year as tourists flood in from the likes of the US, Canada, Australia, Norway and Ireland.

To celebrate Liverpool’s growing popularity, Expedia have signed up Reds captain Van Dijk as their new ambassador, with the Dutch defender producing the ultimate travel guide taking you through his favourite destinations around the city, including the iconic Cavern Club which launched the career of The Beatles, the world famous Royal Albert Dock and of course Anfield, which has been Van Dijk’s home for the last six years.

Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool’s five-star Municipal Hotel and Spa (Image: Expedia)

“Travel is a real passion of mine,” said Van Dijk. “We visit so many cities through football, but don’t get to fully immerse ourselves in them, so any time off I get, I am always looking to head out on an adventure with my friends and family. That’s why I am excited to be partnering with Expedia, as we both believe that we are all made to travel.”

As well as the historical sites and of course the football, Van Dijk’s travel guide to the top 10 things to do in Liverpool – which has been curated with the help of some of his teammates – also includes a visit to the new luxury five-star Municipal Hotel and Spa on Dale Street, the independent restaurants and bars of Lark Lane and the immersive culture, gaming and art of Cains Brewery Village.

Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club (
Image:
Expedia)
Van Dijk hopes the guide will lead to an even greater increase in tourism to Liverpool, while he’s also got his eye on a few trips of his own too.

“The football calendar is incredibly busy of course but one day in the future I’d love to visit Japan, a country I am fascinated by. I’m a big fan of city breaks too. I love exploring new cities and cultures with my family,” he said.

“I love many cities including Amsterdam and Paris, but Liverpool of course for me holds such a special place in my heart which is why I’ve been excited to curate my Liverpool travel guide with Expedia. I hope it helps future visitors to this great city!”