Number of overseas visitors to Dales grows

Ninety per cent of those taking part said they had visited the Dales before, 70 per cent of them in the last 12 months, compared to 64 per cent in a similar survey carried out in 2008. And the number of first-time visitors has risen from seven per cent in 2008 to 10 per cent.

The results show more people were staying in the area for an average of five nights – 58 per cent compared to 47 per cent in 2008 – while 42 per cent were visiting the area for the day, compared to 53 per cent in 2008.

Just over a third lived in the region, 17 per cent came from the North West and seven per cent of the visitors were from other countries – mainly New Zealand, Australia and Germany – compared with two per cent in 2008.

The comments come from the results of face-to-face surveys commissioned by the national park authority last year.

Last week park bosses said they were keen to look at ways of encouraging tourists to make more repeat visits to the Dales – and yesterday Ian McPherson the authority’s member champion for promoting understanding, said park bosses needed to work with local tourism bosses to try to ensure people stayed longer.

Mr McPherson said: “It is helpful to have this research.

“Although the figures are positive, we really need to continue to work with tourism businesses in the Dales to look for ways to encourage visitors to stay longer in the area.

“We know we have a high level of loyal repeat visitors, but we cannot rest on our laurels and we should try to look for ways to attract new visitors to the area.”

The surveys took place at a range of busy visitor locations across the national park, including Malham, Aysgarth, Ribblehead and Grassington.

People said the scenery, remoteness and walks were the main reason to visit.