The New York Times has listed Birmingham as one of the must-see destinations for 2012.
An unlikely option as it’s rarely considered an obvious travel destination by tourists both overseas and in this country. However the 2012 Olympics means that Birmingham has been touted as an unlikely destination for curious Americans.
The US newspaper’s ‘45 Places to Go in 2012’ feature has placed the home of Cadbury’s and the Bullring at number 19 – a ranking that places it above the likes or Jordan, Dubrovnik, Vienna and Antarctica. 
Over the last 20 years the city has under gone a radical transformation, which has seen the development of Selfridges sleek and futuristic outline – which holds 15,000 sun-catching aluminium discs.
Selfridges design is now a predominant feature in the city’s skyline.
American visitors may also be impressed by the city’s Jewellery Quarter, home to independent artisans. Whereas the Mailbox and Brindleyplace offer new bars, restaurants and hotels – and are the 21st century face of the metropolis.
The local tourist authority is certainly bullish about the city’s charms.
Neil Rami, Chief Executive of Marketing Birmingham said “Birmingham has worked hard to improve its reputation as a visitor destination in recent years, by showcasing, amongst other attributes, our fantastic and diverse food”.
“Our Michelin star chefs and fine dining restaurant scene have catapulted the city into the culinary spotlight”.
He added: “As the only English city outside of the capital to be named in this high profile listing, Birmingham has every reason to be proud of the international attention its culinary scene is attracting”.
Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Group said “Birmingham’s cultural, entertainment and gastronomic attractions do now indeed compete with the very best – it’s official”.
Article by Charlee Greenhalgh
