NML say Liverpool is on the 'world tourism stage'

National Museums Liverpool (NML) puts the success down to sound exhibitions and the build up to the city's year as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

Between April 2004 and March 2005, 1,537,590 visitors were recorded - the highest since records began in 1986.

NML Director David Fleming said Liverpool had been "thrust back onto the world tourism stage."

"The sheer quality of our museums and galleries is a big attraction for visitors to the area.

"NML is constantly changing and moving forward, and the development both of a new Museum of Slavery and of a superb new Museum of Liverpool on the Pier Head will be vital ingredients of Liverpool's success in 2008."