Yorkshire's cinematic beauty inspiring tourism - The Yorkshire Post says
What did you do on your summer holidays?
The age-old question will be asked of those returning to normality in about six weeks and, if their families have come (or stayed) to spend their precious time and hard-earned money in Yorkshire, there should be plenty to say.
Today's special report shows how films such as Emerald Fennell's adaptation of Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights have fuelled interest in visits to Yorkshire, whose beautiful moorlands were so central to its cinematography.
It is far from the only example. Figures in the screen sector locally have talked about the positive impact of film and TV on tourism for years, and this is now supported by what Visit Britain’s chief executive Patricia Yates calls “a compelling story of regional Britain”. Haworth ought to brace itself for a very busy August.
Meanwhile, the organisation has highlighted, for instance, the enthusiasm of a Spanish tour operator for hosting visits to the North of England – turning that cliché of Brits abroad in Spain's Costa del Sol on its head.
It is worth noting that the former tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire went into administration more than four years ago and, so far, there has been no replacement to rival its previous standing as a focal point, advocate and strategic champion.
And Visit Britain does warn that the Middle East conflict was “pushing down expectations” for international visitors this year. But this is not a one-summer project - with cultural riches such as those found in Yorkshire, not to mention the geographical diversity of cities, countryside and coastlines, the opportunities to pull in tourists presents a continual opportunity year on year.
The potential value of the jobs created, of money spent in the region and the reputation it can keep forging, particularly with film and TV activity motoring, cannot be overstated.