Video: Yorkshire tourism royalty to be crowned

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, made his comments as the region prepares to recognise the county’s leading hotels guest houses, restaurants and attractions at a major awards ceremony in a year that has seen the county’s profile receive worldwide coverage thanks to the Tour de France.

Welcome to Yorkshire’s White Rose Awards, backed by the Yorkshire Post, are the biggest of their kind in the UK, and take place in Harrogate on Monday.

Mr Verity said: “Tourism is an absolutely vital part of the Yorkshire economy.

“It’s the county’s third biggest sector, employs over 250,000 people and is worth in excess of £7bn. We firmly believe it has the potential to grow further – our work is mission critical and by working together with our incredible tourism businesses, there’s no limit to what can be achieved.

“Working together to bid for, win and deliver the Yorkshire Grand Départ is a fine example of what we can achieve. There are no limits. Since December 2012 when we announced our bid had been successful, our county’s profile as a destination raised month after month.”

He said the first half of this year had been the best year for Yorkshire in terms of international tourism since 2008.

Among this year’s nominees is The Castle Inn, in Skipton, which is in the running for Pub of the Year. Landlord Calvin Dow, was just 23 when he took over the pub. At the time the business was taking £155 a week and Mr Dow says the brewery told him: “It was the last chance for it.”

He set about introducing food and turning it into a focal point for the community hosting events including comedy nights and he has turned the pub into a successful business.

The Yorkshire Post is backing the White Rose Awards. Among others receiving nominations this year are Cedar Court Grand Hotel and Spa, York, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Wakefield and Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley. While The Spiced Pear, Hepworth, near Huddersfield and 1884 Dock Street Kitchen, Hull, are among those vying for Restaurant of the Year.

Welcome to Yorkshire says the latest 2014 visitor statistics show that there was a strong start to the summer for the region’s attractions. Visits to the county were up six per cent year on year in May, and spending increased by almost a third, up 28 per cent.

Nicola Furbisher, managing editor, of the Yorkshire Post said: “Tourism is hugely important to Yorkshire’s economy and the Yorkshire Post is delighted to be backing these awards.”

Winners at the event last year included Castle Howard, near York, which scooped the award for best large visitor attraction while the award for business tourism went to The Spa, Bridlington.