Yorkshire welcomes record number of international visitors

In the first three months of 2018 a record number of overseas visitors headed to Yorkshire.

Between January and March, just under 294,000 people came to the county from abroad, according to new figures released by VisitEngland.

This is the highest number for the first quarter of any year, since records were started.

Visitors have visited from countries such as Australia, the UAE, Serbia, Singapore, Nigeria, New Zealand, Qatar, Chile and Canada.

The data VisitEngland compiled also reveals the Borough of Scarborough, which includes Whitby and Filey, was the most visited holiday destination in England, outside of London.

Yorkshire has four places in the top 20, with York at number six and Leeds and Harrogate also featuring in the list.

Sir Gary Verity DL, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “It’s been a fantastic summer for tourism here in Yorkshire and it’s great to see official stats now showing a record breaking start to the year too. We work hard showcasing the county across the globe and we’re delighted to have welcomed visitors from such a broad range of countries.

“We all know what a brilliant day out you can have on the Yorkshire coast and it looks like the secret is now well and truly out – as the Scarborough district has once again been named the most visited destination outside of London.

“From family fun in Scarborough, to fish and chips in Filey – recently named UK beach of the year by the Times, to heritage, stunning coastal walks, and the finest dining at world class fish restaurants in Whitby, and the Yorkshire coast is second to none.”

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