CLEVELAND, Ohio - Fourteen travel agents from Great Britain and Ireland spent a day and a half touring the city this past weekend, moving from the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood to the Waterloo Arts District, with plenty of stops in between.

Even more impressive than Cleveland's top sights, according to agent Gordon Lawrence of Durham, England, were the city's cleanliness, its friendliness and an up-and-coming vibe.

Lawrence was the only one of the 14 who had been to Cleveland before - 30 years ago, visiting his aunt in Mentor. "The only thing I remember, I went to a ballgame in the old ballpark."

Lots has changed since the days of Cleveland Municipal Stadium, and Lawrence's group saw much of it: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center, a revitalized Edgewater Park and more. They toured several Cleveland stalwarts, too, including Severance Hall, the Cleveland Museum of Art and Playhouse Square.

The travel agents' whirlwind spin through Cleveland was part of a nine-day Great Lakes tour, organized by Brand USA, which markets the United States overseas. It was one of seven tours offered by Brand USA to top travel agents from Great Britain and Ireland.

The group started their tour in Detroit and spent a day in the Sandusky region before arriving in Cleveland Saturday night. They're headed to the Buffalo/Niagara Falls area this morning. Their time in Cleveland was coordinated by Destination Cleveland.

Related: Destination Cleveland hosts European travel agents, writers to promote international tourism

Cleveland was included on the tour in part because of the new flights to Europe that start this week from Cleveland Hopkins. Both Icelandair and Wow Air will fly nonstop between Cleveland and Reykjavik, Iceland, where travelers can connect to dozens of European cities.

Travel agent Natalie Gale, from London, said she could envision selling a weeklong trip combining three days in Reykjavik with three in Cleveland. "The type of people who want to go to Reykjavik will want to come here," said Gale, citing Cleveland's hip, arty vibe.

Over dinner last night at Mabel's BBQ, Gale and her colleagues shared their thoughts about the city:

What was the highlight of your day in Cleveland?

Most agents said the Rock Hall was the most unique sight in Cleveland, with its Michael Jackson glove, Beyonce gown and multigenerational, multinational appeal.

"I'm not that big of a music fan, but it's so well laid out," said Amy Dunmore, of Lincolnshire. "A person could spend five hours there and not realize it."

The Great Lakes Science Center also impressed, with its many interactive exhibits. "I don't think anyone thought we would have that much fun," said Melanie Latham, who works for Brand USA in London.

Why did you pick this tour? (Travel agents could list their top three tour choices, which also included options in Florida, New Orleans and the Pacific Northwest.)

"It's somewhere I haven't been - and somewhere a little bit different," said Andy Burke of Wokingham, west of London. "I'd never, ever thought about coming to Cleveland when I've had the chance to come to the States."

Said Natalie Gale: "These are places I probably wouldn't come to on my own. Now that I've been here, I want to come back."

What did you know about Cleveland before you arrived?

"I didn't know anything about Cleveland apart from the Cavs," said Mathew Woodward, from Manchester. "The guys back home wear LeBron jerseys."

What surprised you about Cleveland?

"This is the cleanest city I've ever seen," said Natalie Gale.

"I was outside this morning and there was somebody sweeping the sidewalk,'' added Hollie Devlin, from Liverpool.

Gale also commented on the enthusiasm that Clevelanders seem to have about their hometown, including a waiter at Yours Truly who was well-versed in Cleveland history. "Everyone seems so passionate about living here."

Gordon Lawrence said Cleveland reminded him of some of the recovering, post-industrial cities in England. "It seems to be very up-and-coming," he said. "It's got a cool sort of vibe to it - laidback. The people are very friendly."

Lee Florence, from London, said downtown Cleveland reminded him of Atlanta a decade or two ago, as that city was trying to draw more people downtown. "It looks to me that downtown has not been the place to live for many years, and they're trying to bring more people into the city."

The Waterloo Arts District also intrigued him. "It will be interesting to see how that area evolves in the next 5 or 10 years," he said.

Natalie Gale compared Waterloo to London's Shoreditch neighborhood, an edgy, arty area that is on the rise.

Jo Bradley, of Horley, south of London, said she was surprised by Playhouse Square. "I didn't realize there were so many theaters here. I would never have put that together - theaters and Cleveland."

Lee Florence praised the walkability of downtown. "All the stadiums are within walking distance. That's quite unique."

And University Circle - though not within walking distance of downtown - is easily accessible via public transportation. Though many Europeans have a car when they're traveling, he said, "They don't want to have to drive while they're in the city."

Said Amy Dunmore: "I prefer Cleveland to Detroit. I thought it would be the opposite. Detroit feels unfinished."

Will Europeans be interested in traveling here?

Many agents said that Cleveland could be a good option for experienced European travelers who have been to the United States a couple of times already.

Mathew Woodward suggested pairing the city with a trip to Niagara Falls, or creating a Chicago-to-Niagara Falls itinerary with a couple of days in Cleveland.

Joanne Harrison, from Manchester, said the city will appeal to travelers who are "looking for some place different. It's not as big of a place as New York City, but it's still got all the things to do."

What type of traveler do you think Cleveland will most appeal to?

"An artsy couple of any age range," said Amy Dunmore. "Families would be good as well. And sports fans."

Said Danielle June Maslen, from Wiltshire: "I would recommend Cleveland to somebody who has done New York so many times and is wondering, 'Where can we go?' Cleveland would be an alternative."

The city may also appeal to travelers who are looking for a good value. Lee Florence compared the price to visit the observation deck atop Terminal Tower -- $5 - to what it costs to have a similar experience in New York ($37 for the Empire State Building, $34 for One World Observatory).

What does Cleveland need?

"Do you have a high street?" asked Amy Dunmore, using a British term for a prominent downtown street with shopping. "It would be really beneficial to have a massive avenue for shopping."

"I haven't seen any shopping malls," agreed Jo Bradley. "If there are some, they're quite hidden."

Final thoughts

The weather was cold and cloudy for much of the group's visit, but the agents didn't seem to mind. "You can't fault the city for its weather," said Lee Florence.

"I'd love to come back in the summer," added Joanne Harrison.

Mathew Woodward found what he needed to keep warm: the Corner Alley, down the street from the group's hotel. "As with any city, it helps to find a really good pub."