GLASGOW has been named one of the European cities to record the greatest increase in interest from travellers.

The city tops the ranking for UK cities and is sixth in the new poll by TripAdvisor, coming ahead of Manchester, Belfast and Liverpool in the top 10 poll.

The 2012 Travellers' Choice Destinations on the Rise Awards go to cities which have recorded the greatest increase in positive feedback and interest from travellers year on year.

Award organisers believe growing interest in Glasgow may be linked to the city hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

City council leader Gordon Matheson, who is also chairman of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, welcomed the new award.

He said: "These awards are based on the reviews and opinions and interest from millions of travellers across the world, so to be recognised as the number one destination on the rise in the UK, and one of the top 10 in Europe, demonstrates a real vote of confidence in Glasgow.

"We are renowned for the warmth of our hospitality and in recent years some of the world's best travel guides and sites have ranked Glasgow as a must-visit city.

"Our world-class museums and galleries are free, we have one of the best shopping experiences in the UK and some outstanding architecture."

TripAdvisor spokesman Emma Shaw said: "Glasgow should be incredibly proud.

"These awards are decided by those judges that really matter –travellers themselves.

Kiev in the Ukraine came top of the European poll while the world top spot was taken by Mar Del Plata in Argentina.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk