Lonely Planet has chosen Manchester as one of its must-visit destinations for 2023, the only UK city to make the guidebook’s annual Best in Travel list.

The city is described as “one of the best – if not the best – cities in the UK, with something for everyone” in a roll of honour that includes Sydney, Lima, Montevideo, Marseille and Dresden.

The accolade has sparked delight in Manchester – a swaggering, if damp, city where self-confidence is rarely in short supply. Richard Leese, who stepped down as leader of the council after 25 years in 2021, used to often answer the question of what is the UK’s second city by saying: “I’m happy for London and Birmingham to fight it out.”

Bev Craig, Leese’s successor, said: “When Lonely Planet says there is something for everyone here, it’s the result of long-term planning and partnership. We’re proud to be the only UK city on this list.”

For its 2023 picks, Lonely Planet has divided the globe into five categories: eat, journey, unwind, connect and learn. Manchester features under “learn”, praised for its dynamic arts scene, and described as a place that has “grown in both size and renown in recent years, metamorphosing into a brilliantly creative, proudly musical and gastronomically diverse hub. Quite simply, it’s one of the best – if not the best – cities in the UK, with something for everyone.”

Each year, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel lists start with nominations from its community of staff, writers, bloggers and publishing partners. The nominations are whittled down by its panel of travel experts to just 30 destinations. Each is chosen for its topicality, unique experiences, “wow” factor, and ongoing commitment to sustainability, community and diversity.

This article was taken from The Guardian Online and the full article can be read here https://amp.theguardian.com/travel/2022/nov/16/manchester-selected-as-top-travel-destination-for-2023-by-lonely-planet

At Move Music Management, we are proud to call Manchester our home and the birthplace of our business. The Manchester music culture plays a key driver for people visiting the city and venue, and this very much lies at the core of our business whilst supporting our clients in the drinks and hospitality sector.

In developing a unique brand identity through sound in any establishment, music can dictate the ambience of the space, but often it does much more; Sound has the power to influence spending habits, duration of stay, emotional associations, as well as returning customers.

Manchester without music is not Manchester. Our diverse and vibrant music scene is a hugely important economic driver and the beating heart of our city. So here’s to celebrating one of the most must-visit cities in the world!