Bumper summer for tourism (From Gazette & Herald)

Bumper summer for tourism

RYEDALE'S holiday industry is celebrating what is probably its best year on record, thanks to the bonanza summer - and the prospects for the future are looking even brighter.

Plans are being prepared for Ryedale and Scarborough councils and the North York Moors National Park Authority to join forces to promote the region.

Latest figures show that bed and breakfast occupancy rates in Ryedale have been well over 70pc, said Corina Inverno, Ryedale council's tourism officer.

The value of tourism to the district is expected to be well in excess of

£100m this year.

And as the season draws to a close, plans are already underway for next year, she said, with the launch next month of Ryedale's new holiday brochure.

Steve Jacques, chairman of the district's Tourism Association, and head of two of its leading attractions, Eden Camp and Wolds Way Lavender Centre, said: "It has been a very positive year. Accommodation bookings have been good and there have been plenty of visitors."

His attractions, like virtually all of Ryedale's tourist facilities, have seen buoyant business. Mr Jacques said he was especially pleased with his newly-launched Wolds Lavender venture which was in its first year.

Now, said Mr Jacques, plans are underway to set up a destination management

system in a joint scheme costing some £750,000, which would be in partnership with Yorkshire Tourist Board, Scarborough council, Ryedale District Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority, with the aim of maximising the potential of Ryedale and to help make it a year-round tourist area.

"It will bring more people to Ryedale and create new jobs," he said.

The association, said Mr Jacques, was working closely with Ryedale District Council to promote and expand the tourist industry.

"It's all about quality - and we have a wealth of it. The more quality attractions we have, the more people will come and not only visit but stay for two or three nights because there is so much to see and do."

The new visitor centre planned by Sir Charles Ledgard at Scampston Hall will be another major attraction for Ryedale, added Mr Jacques.

Updated: 11:16 Wednesday, October 15, 2003