Harrogate Borough Council

 
 

StrayFM broadcasts live from Harrogate Tourist Information Centre

 
14th March 2008
 
Harrogate TIC celebrated National Tourism Week this year with a live broadcast by Stray FM from the information centre offices.
 
British Tourism Week aims to raise the profile of Britain's £85 billion visitor economy and draw awareness to its size, value and critical importance.
 
Joining Visitor Services Manager, Helen Suckling, were representatives of local tourism business including Alison Crawford PR & Marketing Manager at Ripley Castle, and Simon Cotton, Chair of Destination Harrogate. They highlighted the many attractions that Harrogate and the Yorkshire Dales have to offer business and leisure visitors alike.
Harrogate Tourist Information Centre also helps local residents take holidays elsewhere in the UK.
StrayFM Alex Cann and Helen Suckling
"As part of the national Tourist Information Centre network we cover the whole of Britain Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, the Lake District. Local people wanting to go away for a short break or longer holiday, we can help them find the information they need and we can book their accommodation through the network", said Helen Suckling.
Alex Cann interviewing Simon Cotton at Harrogate TIC
Simon Cotton went on to detail the role of Destination Harrogate, "We are an association of the towns 13 leading hotels, we employ over 1,000 people between us and generate turnover of about £40 million pounds visitor spend into Harrogate each year.....around 400,000 people sleep in our 13 hotels every year".
 
In 2006 3.5 million visitors came to Harrogate Emily MacDowell, Assistant Economic Development Officer from Harrogate Borough Council explained,
 
Emily MacDowell being interviewed by Alex Cann at Harrogate TIC
 
"Not only do these visitors enjoy the attractions that we have to offer, but they bring with them expenditure, whether that's in local shops or at the.. visitor attractions we have in the area, and a whole range of employment opportunities in the wide range of bars, hotels and restaurants."
 
Ripley Castle attracts around 30,000 visitors a year, making a significant contribution to the local economy, as indicated by Alison Crawford, "Here at the castle we actually employ over 100 staff, a big change from 25 years ago when Sir Thomas and Lady Ingillby were doing most jobs themselves".
 
Alison Crawford and Alex Cann
 
Supported by Prince Charles, National Tourism week takes places every year in mid March, its galvanises organisations and individuals to take pride in being part of Britain's tourism industry.
 
Tourist Information Office, Royal Baths Crescent Road, Harrogate, Tel: 0845 389 3223