Leading travel writers and tourism chiefs from destinations across the globe will descend on Chester for a major travel conference in July.

Tourism is a vital part of the Cheshire and Warrington economy, generating £3.9 billion a year, supporting 38,000 jobs and welcoming over 56 million visitors.

Next month Chester will host the prestigious Media Getaway event, as the only UK city to be named in this year's 'ten most welcoming cities on earth' list by Booking.com.

The event runs from 7-9 July and will bring around 90 travel writers, journalists and content creators from outlets across the UK and Ireland.

Jamie Christon, chair of Marketing Cheshire and CEO of Chester Zoo, said: "We're delighted to welcome Media Getaway to Chester.

"The event offers an outstanding opportunity to showcase the city and nearby attractions to a national and international audience.

"And of course, to experience Chester's world-class welcome."

Broadcaster, writer, and former MP Gyles Brandreth will be the guest speaker at a welcome reception at Chester Town Hall, supported by Restaurant 209, Forest Gin, The Hole in Wand and Storyhouse.

Chester Racecourse will host a 'Connection Zone' media marketplace where travel companies and attending media come together.

This will be followed by a closing reception at Chester Zoo - the most visited paid tourist attraction in the country outside of London.

Hospitality and travel companies will also be hosting media trips and visits across the city and to nearby attractions.

The chance to bring Media Getaway to Chester is a great opportunity, Howard Salinger, managing director of Travel Connection Group, which hosts Media Getaway, has said.

He added: "We launched Media Getaway as an event away from London as there are already lots of travel media events taking place there. 

"It also gives us a chance to showcase some of the best UK destinations. 

"Having already taken the event to Manchester, Leeds, and Glasgow, we're excited about hosting the event in Chester, and we're grateful to everyone for being so welcoming."

Cllr Richard Beacham, deputy chair of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "I'm sure the writers and broadcasters will be captivated by the tours on offer from Romans and Vikings to a look at the haunted history with Chester Ghost Tours.

"Chester (and Cheshire) have world class attractions and a warm welcome, lots to see, do and experience, some of our 'hidden gems' can be seen in a daytrip but stay a bit longer and experience far more.

"We know that once visited people are highly likely to return.

"The city is ever changing, following on from Storyhouse, Chester Market and Picturehouse we are now moving on to Northgate phase two, and we're currently building a new home for our archives collection."

Find out more about Media Getaway here.