City tourism drive to attract autumn and winter visitors

Details of the promotional drive were announced yesterday as tourism leaders seek to attract more visitors during the autumn and winter months.

While the city has emerged as a prime destination in the run-up to Christmas, the publicity campaign is aimed at bringing in more tourists during the quieter months of November, January and February.

Visit York's chief executive, Gillian Cruddas, said: "We could all do with a little pick-me-up at this time of year and a visit to York could be just the tonic.

"We want everyone to know that York successfully combines its clear sense of heritage and superb architecture with designer shops, world class galleries and museums, sophisticated restaurants, bars and cafes."

Tourism has become the bedrock of York's economy after the traditional manufacturing sector has been eroded in recent years with the loss of companies such as Terry's, which moved chocolate production abroad in 2005. The Visit York tourism partnership announced earlier this year that 7.1 million visitors from across the globe were contributing 440m annually to the city's economy.

The Break With Tradition campaign is promoting a special three nights for the price of two offer at participating hotels and guest houses. It will also be highlighting events in the city in the run-up to the festive season, including the St Nicholas Christmas Fayre this month.

Mrs Cruddas added: "We hope our new campaign will get across the breadth of cultural experiences on offer for visitors to York."

The drive will also play heavily on the award-winning streets that the city has to offer.

The Shambles was named Britain's most picturesque street while Fossgate was the third best street for food in the national Google Street View Awards which were announced in March.

The three for two hotel nights offer was launched this week and will run until the end of March.

More details are available from the Visit York Information Centre by calling 01904 550088 or by logging on to www.visityork.org/3for2.