Virgil van Dijk Showcases Liverpool Amid Tourism Boom

Liverpool is experiencing a surge in tourism, and Reds captain Virgil van Dijk understands why.

The city’s popularity has soared, with travel brand Expedia ranking Liverpool among the top ten global trending destinations in their Unpack 2024 guide. Searches for trips to Liverpool have doubled year on year, attracting visitors from the United States, Canada, Australia, Norway, and Ireland.

“Travel is a real passion of mine,” Van Dijk shared. “Football takes us to so many cities, but we rarely get to fully experience them. Any free time I have, I look forward to traveling with friends and family. That’s why I’m excited to work with Expedia—we both believe we’re born to travel.”

To celebrate Liverpool’s rising status, Expedia has named Van Dijk as their new ambassador. The Dutch defender has curated the ultimate travel guide, featuring his favorite city spots. Highlights include the legendary Cavern Club, where The Beatles’ journey began, the iconic Royal Albert Dock, and, of course, Anfield—Van Dijk’s home for the past six years.

Beyond historical landmarks and football, Van Dijk’s top ten Liverpool experiences—developed with input from his teammates—feature a visit to the new five-star Municipal Hotel and Spa on Dale Street, the vibrant bars and eateries of Lark Lane, and the immersive cultural hub of Cains Brewery Village.

Looking ahead, Van Dijk hopes his travel guide will inspire more visitors to explore Liverpool. He also has travel aspirations of his own.

“The football calendar is hectic, but one day, I’d love to visit Japan—it fascinates me. I also enjoy city breaks, exploring new cultures with my family,” he said.

“I adore Amsterdam and Paris, but Liverpool is special to me. That’s why I’m thrilled to collaborate with Expedia to create this guide, and I hope it helps future visitors discover the magic of this city!”