Cardiff is this summer's hot destination

When it comes to the hottest destinations for holidays this summer, Cardiff is in top spot.

According to new figures, Cardiff's popularity as a place to visit for holiday-seeking Britons has increased more than anywhere else in Europe.

Searches for hotel stays in the Welsh capital on travel search engine Kayak.co.uk have increased a whopping 223% for summer 2017 compared to summer last year.

Kayak say the popularity of hotel stays in Cardiff this summer can be attributed to the many events taking place in the city as well as the thriving culture, art, and food scene.

The figures come as full details of a host of events taking place in Cardiff are revealed as part of Cardiff Council's #CardiffIs Summer campaign.

Delicious food from around the world, a sandy beach, funfair rides for all the family and adrenaline-fuelled sailing are just some of the events on offer this summer.

The 18th International Food and Drink Festival returns to Cardiff Bay on July 14th, 15th and 16th with more than 100 local, national and international producers showcasing their goods.

Commenting on Cardiff's position as the top hot spot, Cllr Peter Bradbury, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: "It's no real surprise that more people have been searching for Cardiff as a place to visit this summer.

"We have got so much going on for all the family in our fabulous city throughout the summer and visitors can be assured of a very warm welcome."

Cllr Bradbury also pointed out that Cardiff is not just a great place to visit in the summer.

He added: "But, of course, we are not just a summer destination. Cardiff is a 365-days-a-year destination, with something for everyone - families, individuals, the young and old, business people, groups and those looking for a city break.

"We have a really popular calendar of events, both free and paid-for, which take place all-year-round."

Suzanne Perry, a travel expert at KAYAK, said: "At KAYAK, we love using our data to spot travel trends.

"With lots to see and do, good value for money, and, of course, lots of big events taking place at the stadium, it's great to see that so many Brits want to visit the Welsh capital this summer."

For more information about Cardiff's summer season, visit:www.visitcardiff.com andwww.cardiff-events.com/cardiffissummer/

The data is based on flight and hotel searches by Britons on KAYAK.co.uk between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016, for travel between July 1, 2017, and August 31, 2017, compared to searches between January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2015, for travel between July 1, 2016, and August 31, 2016.