Life is good as Birmingham retains quality of living top ranking

BIRMINGHAM has been ranked as having the highest quality of life of any UK city outside of the capital for the second year running.

In the Mercer Quality of Living Report 2014, the city placed jointly with Rome, seeing off global competition from the likes of Los Angeles and Dubai.

Birmingham and Rome were ranked in 51st place. Its nearest UK rivals included Glasgow (54th), Aberdeen (56th) and Belfast (63rd).
 
Sir Albert Bore, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “It comes as no surprise that Birmingham has retained its position as the best city to live in the UK outside the capital. Our city has an incredible offering for those who live, work and visit here.

“From shopping to science, food to festivals, culture to conferences, Birmingham is fast becoming top of many international visitor lists and growing in stature as a place to live and work.”

The Mercer ranking comes as it was revealed that the number of visitors to the area who planned to return again within 12 months had reached a seven year high, according to a survey by TNS.

The annual TNS visitor survey, which assesses reasons for visiting, found that arts, culture and science were growing motivators. The city will host the British Science Festival as part of the 2014 Birmingham Year of Science, a celebration of its innovative past and technology fuelled future with events taking place across the city.

Marketing Birmingham’s Ian Taylor said: “Tourism is a huge part of our success as a city. In attracting visitors here and providing them with a warm welcome and entertaining experience, we are creating ambassadors who can spread the word and help us boost our profile and economy even further.”
 
The most popular activities listed by visitors to the city were shopping, visiting major attractions, the food scene; and arts and culture according to Marketing Birmingham’s Regional Observatory.

Highly rated attractions include the Library of Birmingham and, nearby, the Black Country Living Museum and the West Midlands Safari Park.

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