Manchester's standing as a city of international renown has grown and grown in recent years. Investment in the city itself, as well as events like Manchester International Festival, have catapulted us back to a major tourism destination.
What you may not know is that, in looking at how to turn the city's tourism appeal around some years back, Manchester looked to Europe to find a city where investment in tourism had brought great rewards. So, in a way, Manchester's tourism model is based on that of Barcelona, the city which most matched what we wanted to achieve.
Now it seems that Spain has returned the compliment.
Its leading newspaper, El Pais, recently published a holiday supplement which named Manchester as one of the top ten cities in the world to visit. Other cities in the list include Bombay, Rotterdam, Rome and, closer to home, Dublin. The article describes Manchester as 'De centro industrial a mecca cultural', a sentence which really doesn't need translating.
So we asked some native Spanish speakers to read the article and tell us what they love about living in Manchester.
Gustavo
'I love Manchester - for its integration of different cultures, backgrounds, race and sexuality.'
Javo
'I am living in Manchester since 2011. I visited the city just three times before move here. It was very easy to fall in love with Manchester for many reasons. From my point of view and experience I could say this is one of the most cosmopolitan city in the country and also Europe. There are people from all over the world. Diversity is one of the best things of this place, make it rich, special, there are more than 260 different languages here and it is very openminded too. It is a city that is always on changes. The mix of old warehouses architecture and modern buildings contrast in a beautiful balance. The canals is part of its identity and I love it. People are very friendly, always with open hearts, open arms and open doors. I was very lucky because it was very easy to make new friends for me and I found true ones; new opportunities always around the corner are if your radar is always on, so there are always something to do. It have everything but in a small scale. It is not a big city, it is not expensive and it is not really dangerous. I always felt safe on here. Culturally is amazing and artistically there are always something around. This city seems never sleep, never stop and growing very quick. Finally I never expected to find love on here and now I am just married. So if my body still can cope with the winter darkness I think this will be my place for the rest of my life.'
Jose
'Love this city. Came here when I was 20 years old. I love running and coming from Barcelona I used to love running back and forward from the beach. Initially I refused to do it in this grim weather, but the more time I have spent here the most I have realised that it is all about wearing the right gear and the right frame of mind. I love running here now. Lived here for half of my life and this city has allowed me to be who I wanted to be. It's easy to reinvent yourself here. Professionally is full of opportunities. It's big enough to constantly be entertained and small enough to reach the entertainment. Good attitude, great people and an big airport nearby to pop in that beach in Barcelona in 2 hours. Feel fortunate here.'
Javi and Blanca
Javi says:
'This is my third year in Mcr and I'm really enjoying it, most of it, because of the people, the people makes Manchester to me. Also, I’m a great music fan, but I came here to work in football, so as a filmmaker, I felt the creative vibe of the city, and I’m doing on my free time a music documentary about how it all start in the house scene even before The Hacienda. Another thing that I really love, is the proximity, everything is close, and you can go walking almost anywhere. Is a cheap city compare to London, and you can live nicely and have a comfortable home at a good price.'
Blanca says:
'I came to Manchester because my husband Javi was sent to work here, and at the beginning I never like Manchester really, and the weather was terrible, coming from Madrid, this was like hell. But little by little, walking through the streets, meeting nice people, and most of it, going to a lot of music concerts that I would never see, I felt that this was an special city, and it really is. Friendly people, small centre, and great music everywhere you go. It had been a big opportunity for me, because I am lecturer at the University in Spain and now I am doing a placement stay at Salford University. It is been a cool experience. And my English has improve a lot, as you can see!'
In the mood for a taste of Spain? Here are five of Manchester's finest Spanish restaurants.