Travel website Tripadvisor has named Brighton as top English destination voted for by Europeans.
A recent poll of the website’s users put the city in second place in the whole UK, beaten only by Edinburgh.
But nowhere rated higher in England. York was third, London fourth and Liverpool fifth.
Council tourism bosses are thrilled at the vote, saying it vindicates recent campaigns to sell the city hard in Europe, capitalising on the weak pound compared to the Euro.
In its details for Brighton, Tripadvisor highlights the Royal Pavilion, Lanes and the quirky collection of independent shops, bars and restaurants of North Laine.
Also shown are rave reviews from visitors. Top rated B&B is The Twenty One in Charlotte Street, favourite hotel Hotel Una in Regency Square and most popular restaurant Pomegranate in Manchester Street.
The council-run Royal Pavilion is listed as top attraction. Visitors called it “wonderful”, “fascinating” and “impressive”, with one reporting that they were “left in awe” by it.
Council director of culture Scott Marshall said:: “It’s extremely rewarding. We’ve put a lot of effort in marketing the city to Europeans. For users of a big, respected website like Tripadvisor to rate us top in England and for the council to be running the top attraction is some accolade.
“I’m hopeful our work marketing our tourism sector has gone some way to helping local businesses through this recession.”
