Vision published for future of city’s tourism economy

A new eight-year tourism strategy for York has been officially adopted by City of York Council.

The Tourism Advisory Board has been working on the development of this strategy. It operates in collaboration with Make It York, City of York Council and York Business Improvement District. (BID)

York welcomes 8.9 million visitors annually, contributing £1.7bn to the local economy and supporting 17,000 jobs.

York’s Tourism Strategy is focused on five key priorities with specific ambitions for the city. These include: a regenerative visitor economy, green York, culture, residents and localhood, skills and recruitment.

The strategy emphasizes sustainability and community engagement, setting out a vision where heritage, culture, and public space are important and, the car is less important.

Dr Brendan Paddison, chair of York Tourism Advisory Board and associate professor at York St John University, said: “York’s new tourism strategy will transform York’s approach to tourism, ensuring the city becomes a world-leader in regenerative tourism, that it grows and diversifies its offer responsibly, and that the city maximises tourism’s contribution to the economy, employment and the quality of life in York and beyond.

“The strategy was co-produced by the city, with extensive consultation with a breadth of stakeholders from across York and the wider region.”

Sarah Loftus, managing director of Make It York, added: “We are thrilled to share our vision for the city and to continue our commitment in promoting York and its surroundings as a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

“This strategy is essential, as it drives our work in York’s economic growth while enriching the cultural and social fabric of our community for both residents and visitors.”