Launch of first organisation for North Yorkshire to boost tourism

Leading tourism industry figures outlined their ambition to develop this multi-billion pound sector in North Yorkshire with the launch of the first ever countywide organisation dedicated to promoting the visitor economy.

Visit North Yorkshire has been established to drive forward tourism in the county, which contributes £4bn every year to the local economy and supports 38,000 jobs.

The new destination management and marketing organisation is overseen by North Yorkshire Council. It is the first time there has been a dedicated tourism body for the whole county.

At its official launch at Castle Howard near Malton, about 80 representatives from the tourism industry met members of the Visit North Yorkshire team and were given an insight into a 10-year vision for a more co-ordinated approach to promoting the county’s tourism brand.

The Yorkshire Dales

Executive member for open to business, Councillor Mark Crane, whose responsibilities include the visitor economy, said: “This is an exceptionally important moment for the tourism industry in North Yorkshire.

“With the launch of Visit North Yorkshire, we now have the first countywide destination management and marketing organisation which has been made possible following the launch of North Yorkshire Council.

“The tourism sector is so valuable to our local economy and supports tens of thousands of livelihoods in our communities.

“Visit North Yorkshire will have a key role in developing the sector and providing an even closer working relationship with our tourism businesses to ensure that the industry can reach its full potential in the years to come.”

The launch of Visit North Yorkshire has come days after the first strategy of its kind to boost the county’s multi-billion pound visitor economy was approved.

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s executive approved plans for the destination management plan at a meeting last week.

Among those who attended Visit North Yorkshire’s official launch was SEALIFE Scarborough’s general manager, Andrew Clay.

He said: “This is an exciting moment for the region’s visitor economy and demonstrates the council’s commitment to supporting the vast array of attractions and hospitality businesses that make North Yorkshire such a magical place to visit.

“Visit North Yorkshire will provide that all-important support and strategic focus to give everyone involved in tourism the chance to deliver the best possible experience for visitors.”

Chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar, said: “The Visit North Yorkshire plans offer a hugely exciting opportunity for our organisation.

“It allows us to be at the forefront of cultural destination campaigns and ensures the widest possible audience is aware of our year-round festivals portfolio, and how that sits alongside the vast array of fantastic tourism businesses across the area.”

Bolton Abbey

David Steel, chief executive of Dawnay Estates which owns North Yorkshire Water Park, added: “We’re wholeheartedly embracing the launch of Visit North Yorkshire and the benefits it will bring to the entire region.

“This initiative will not only help promote the stunning natural scenery across North Yorkshire but will help highlight the wide range of activities available here, from the water sports lake to the newly launched Adventure Wood.

“By working together, we can attract more visitors to experience the thrills of adventure and the beauty of our landscapes, all while supporting local communities.”