Virgil van Dijk is aware of the reasons for Liverpool’s tourism growth.

Travel company Expedia listed Liverpool as one of the top ten worldwide trending destinations in their Unpack 2024 guide due to the region’s growing tourism. Year-over-year search volume for trips to Liverpool has increased by 100% as travelers from the US, Canada, Australia, Norway, and Ireland pour into the city.

“I’m really passionate about traveling,” Van Dijk said. “Because football allows us to travel to so many cities without really experiencing them, I enjoy spending any spare time I have traveling on adventures with my loved ones. We both believe that travel is our calling, which is why I am excited to be working with Expedia.

Expedia has appointed Reds captain Van Dijk as their new ambassador in honor of Liverpool’s rising fame. The Dutch defender has penned the ultimate travel guide, which takes you through his favorite spots in the city, including the legendary Cavern Club, which served as The Beatles’ career launchpad, the renowned Royal Albert Dock, and, of course, Anfield, where Van Dijk has called home for the past six years.

Along with visiting the historical sites and, of course, the football, Van Dijk’s list of the top ten things to do in Liverpool, which he put together with the assistance of a few of his teammates, includes stops at the brand-new, five-star Municipal Hotel and Spa on Dale Street, Lark Lane’s independent eateries and bars, and Cains Brewery Village, which offers immersive art, gaming, and culture.

Virgil van Dijk stops by the storied Cavern Club in Liverpool.

In addition to his own travel plans, Van Dijk anticipates that his book will encourage more people to visit Liverpool.

“I’m really busy with football, but I’d like to travel to Japan someday—I’ve always been fascinated by that country. He said, “I enjoy exploring new cities and cultures with my family,” which is something I really greatly admire.

“I love a lot of locations, like Amsterdam and Paris, but my heart belongs to Liverpool, therefore I’m excited to work with Expedia to develop my travel guide to Liverpool. I hope it helps travelers to this amazing city in the future!