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North Yorkshire praised for diversity of visitor economy

Friday, 20 March 2026 17:19

Bolton Abbey.

Tourism leaders in York and North Yorkshire have highlighted the scale and diversity of the region’s visitor economy following a visit from a national industry figure.

York and North Yorkshire attracts more than 40 million visitors each year, with tourism contributing around £6 billion to the local economy and supporting over 54,000 jobs.

Victoria Borwick, chair of the VisitEngland Advisory Board, spent four days visiting locations across the region as part of English Tourism Week.

This year’s theme focuses on “local stories, national growth”.

During her visit, she toured a number of well-known attractions including York Minster, Castle Howard, Rievaulx Abbey and the North York Moors National Park, as well as the World of James Herriot Museum.

Speaking about the visit, Lady Borwick said:

“The York and North Yorkshire area has such a diverse offer, from city to coast to countryside.

"What has been most impressive during my visit is the local characters that I have met along the way.

“With the theme of ‘local stories, national growth’, I have enjoyed hearing the stories from the people who work within attractions and accommodation to ensure visitors have a memorable experience.”

Her visit concluded with an industry event hosted by Visit North Yorkshire at the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway, where tourism representatives gathered to discuss the upcoming season and wider developments in the sector.

Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith said:

“From our historic city streets to our coastline and national parks, it’s the variety of our towns and villages, alongside the welcome visitors receive, that attracts so many people each year.

“By working together across the region, we are aiming to promote these strengths and support the continued growth of tourism.”

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for the visitor economy, Mark Crane, added:

“We are extremely privileged to have such a wide range of attractions in North Yorkshire.

"It was valuable to share some of these highlights during the visit.”

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