A district for all seasons (From Gazette & Herald)

A district for all seasons

PLANS to turn Ryedale into an all-year-round tourist attraction could generate hundreds of thousands of pounds in extra trade.

Plans are being finalised to promote the area as a place for visitors throughout the winter months.

The initiative has been welcomed by owners of tourist- related businesses keen to cash in on the potential extra trade.

Though tourism is currently Ryedale's biggest cash cow - with more than £100 million generated annually - trade drops significantly during the winter. Corina Inverno, Ryedale District Council tourism officer, said lots of attractions closed for the winter.

"Everything slows down considerably," she said.

"The plan is to create targeted promotion which will extend the tourist season. Lots of people take winter breaks and we want them to consider Ryedale as somewhere to visit during this time.

"We won't get the same level of visitors as we do during the summer but there is potential to use this peace and tranquillity during the colder months as an added attraction.

"Accommodation providers are keen to take part and there is still plenty to do during this period."

Steve Jaques, chairman of the Ryedale Tourism Association, and manager of Eden Camp, near Malton, said winter was potentially a new market.

"Activity and craft holidays, specifically targeted at certain people, is one way forward," he said.

"Dalby Forest, for example, is a perfect place to promote all- year-round mountain bike holidays. Rather that the general we will be looking at specific things which can be used to bring people in."

Pickering trader Simon Boak, one of those keen to turn Ryedale into a year-round attraction, is hoping to build an exhibition centre which will pull in visitors.

"Hotel and restaurant owners would benefit. The hope is that because the facility is indoors, we will be able to attract visitors to events during winter."

Updated: 11:18 Saturday, April 06, 2002