Calls to use Dales to bolster district’s tourism industry

Councillors on Harrogate Borough Council will meet next week when they are expected to give the go-ahead for the economic review of the district.

One of the main aims will be to analyse how the council can utilise the popularity of the neighbouring Dales to attract more visitors to the Harrogate area.

The Harrogate district’s tourism sector already contributes £500m annually and supports about 23,000 jobs, but members have stressed more needs to be done.

The chairman of the council’s overview and scrutiny commission, Coun John Fox, said: “An awful lot of work is already underway to bring people into the Harrogate district, but there is always scope for improvements.

“I do feel that there is an opportunity to pursue a more co-ordinated approach. There is a real opportunity to take advantage of the growing number of people who are choosing to holiday at home instead of taking more expensive breaks abroad.”

The review is also due to look at the importance of the conferencing industry and the Harrogate international Centre on the district’s economy.

The study is also aimed at providing more support for small businesses, which are the bedrock of the Harrogate district’s economy.

The overview and scrutiny commission will meet on Tuesday when the economic review is due to be approved.

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