"High profile sporting events and rock concerts have helped drive up visitor numbers while millions of pounds of investment have transformed the city former coal port.

"But does the Welsh capital merit a place alongside Patagonia, Alaska's Glacier Bay or the Azores?

"Yes, says Tim Gordon, editor of the Cardiff-based newspaper the South Wales Echo:

"It's a wonderful place to live. In recent times it has turned itself into one of the great sporting cities of the world, successfully hosting the Rugby World Cup, FA Cup finals, Six Nations games and Ashes test matches."

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