Blue badge guides fly the flag for liverpool’s world heritage status

We spoke to a Blue Badge Tourist Guide about Liverpool - how it has stormed into the list of top cities in the world to visit and how the threat of losing World Heritage Status could affect its future prosperity.

Merseyside's major city is a magnet for tourists the world over. Popular with Indonesians is a trip to Anfiled and LFC, taking in the ground's selfie trail, the smart new visitor centre and 'disney-esque' merchandise shop. Culture vultures flock to admire the biggest collection of listed buildings in Britain. And the ever popular Beatles are a particular draw for American visitors. Leading local Tour Guide, Claire Rider, told us:

'As well as individual travellers and tour groups, the city has seen more than one hundred thousand cruise liner passengers during 2017.'

At busy periods there are large parties of Spanish and Italian, among other nationalities of students. International visitors exploring the city in 2016 contributed to the region's visitor economy that exceeded £4.3 billion. Claire, who is based in Liverpool, explains why this booming business is under threat:

'We're a city rich in maritime heritage, this has driven many ground breaking moments in history. For instance we had the first branch of the Bank of England outside London; the first American Embassy on foreign soil and the global cotton exchange is still in the city centre. Until people arrive here they often don't realise the significance of the city to The British Empire over centuries. But for many others the UNESCO World Heritage Status communicates that simply and instantly.'

During the last decade the number of day visitors has almost doubled. It's no wonder the city's tourism industry is twitchy at the thought of being downgraded. The chance of the city being struck off as a World Heritage site centres on a planning decision to transform 60 hectares of redundant docklands into 9,000 flats, offices and shops. The model for the scheme has been described by The Guardian newspaper as resembling a 'row of gaudy crystal ornaments'.

The same newspaper carried an interview with the mayor of Liverpool. It claims he has dismissed the anti-development campaigners as luddites and the UNESCO 'certificate on the wall' didn't play a role in boosting the city's prospects. Claire added:

'The guiding qualification takes months and is a hefty financial commitment. The blue badge is the UK's highest guiding endorsement. There are dozens of qualified guides in the city and many more tourist guides. Their continued employment is more secure with the UNESCO endorsement. To be qualified by The Institute of Tourist Guiding we have to learn about the entire UK. We've all been through that training, with the in depth knowledge acquired I can honestly say that if any city deserves the UNESCO accolade it's Liverpool.'

In July 2017 UNESCO officials gave Liverpool a stay of execution for up to 12 months. Campaigners are not resting on their laurels whilst the Mercantile City remains on the World Heritage 'In Danger' list. The entire situation does open up the debate on whether skyscrapers detract from the fact that the destination was a major trading centre for two centuries. Six sites were added to the World Heritage list in 2004 in recognition of their role in the growth of the British Empire.

Some argue that in London the Shard and The Gherkin have been built close to World Heritage sites without threat to their status. But in contrast the £5bn worth of buildings planned for the Liverpool waterfront would occupy up to 600,000 square metres. The UNESCO officials will have to take a view on whether local planning officers are acting in the interests of local heritage. To put it into context other World Heritage sites across the globe include the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon and the pyramids in Egypt.

Another proposed building that forms part of the proposals is a permanent cruise liner terminal. Nobody in the tourism industry would argue one is not required, but they may question at what cost. The plans are adjacent to Liverpool's Three Graces and would entirely transform the skyline.

Henrietta Billings, Director of SAVE Britain's Heritage is quoted as saying:

'This is a final warning shot for Liverpool and the British Government. International heritage status doesn't just put LIverpool on the world stage, it brings cultural tourism, urban regeneration, and sustainable visitor attractions.'

Billings went on to say losing the status would be an international embarrassment and hugely costly mistake. The current reprieve stands until 2018.

Claire Rider holds the highest UK endorsement for tourist guiding - The Blue Badge. Based in Liverpool, she shares her thoughts on the positive impact of tourism on the city and how the UNESCO World Heritage status underpins this. The city's guides welcome visitors from across the world to show them the amazing architecture, history and culture. Many run day excursions and tours that take in The Lake District, North Wales, Ireland and The Isle of Man.