Tourism chiefs back campaignfor city shops to accept euros

TOURISM leaders are backing a campaign to get euros widely accepted in a Yorkshire city to cater for tens of thousands of visitors from the Continent.

The bid to ensure the currency is recognised in hundreds of shops throughout York has been drawn up by city councillor James Alexander in an attempt to boost the already vital tourism industry.

Trials are under way involving about a dozen stores in the Gillygate area of the city, and York councillors are due to consider the success of the pilot project when it comes to an end next month.

The city’s tourism partnership, Visit York, has now backed Coun Alexander’s plans to ensure that the currency is more widely accepted.

Visit York’s chief executive, Gillian Cruddas, said: “More widespread acceptance of euros across the city would help make our European visitors feel welcome and this has got to be a good thing. An initiative such as this is also important for independent shops, cafes and bars, where cash transactions are more likely to take place.”

A scrutiny review topic was submitted by Coun Alexander in December for York Council to consider an investigation into the benefits of accepting the euro.

Coun Alexander claimed the scheme could also aid York’s economic recovery in the wake of the recession. He added: “Accepting euros as well as pounds attracts not only foreign holidaymakers but also British families to spend euros left over from trips overseas.

“It has been estimated that the number of unused euros held by British people could boost the economy by 10m. Dunster, a medieval village in Exmoor, claims to be the first place in Britain to accept euros.

“So if it helps boost the local economy for other tourist hot spots and medieval villages, then it should be good enough for York.”

More than four million tourists visit York every year and contribute 364m to the local economy. The city’s tourism industry is responsible for employing more than 10,600 workers.

Almost 70,000 Germans, 10,500 Belgians and more than 33,000 Dutch people visited York in 2007. However, only 15 per cent of tourists came from abroad in 2007, compared with 19 per cent in 2005 and 35 per cent in 1995.