Coastal Towns Thrive with Festival Tourism Surge – Council Report

North Yorkshire councillors will be informed of a significant boost in tourism along the county’s coastal areas following a series of successful festive events at year-end. The report, scheduled to be reviewed by the council later this week, highlights record crowds attending various activities in Scarborough, Whitby, and Filey.

Councillor Simon Myers, who serves as an executive member for culture and arts, emphasized the success of a pantomime held at Scarborough Spa featuring Anne Hegarty from TV’s The Chase. He noted that “sales far exceeded any previous pantos,” indicating a major hit with audiences.

The council is poised to launch a new marketing campaign aimed at positioning North Yorkshire as an essential destination for visitors, coinciding with the findings in Myers’ report. Whitby Pavilion also enjoyed substantial activity during December, hosting nearly 2,000 cinema attendees and further boosting local interest.

Scarborough’s Live Advent Calendar event drew attention from a staggering 150,000 people in December alone. The calendar featured various ticketed events attended by approximately 7,000 participants, showcasing the immense popularity of such festive offerings.

The council will also unveil a new marketing campaign titled “There’s More to North Yorkshire,” set to run between May and July. This initiative aims at dispelling common misconceptions about the county while highlighting its unique attractions and qualities. According to Councillor Mark Crane, who is an executive member for open to business, this campaign will coincide with the launch of a newly updated website.

Furthermore, tourism sector drop-in events are planned in the upcoming months. These sessions offer local businesses opportunities to connect directly with members of the council’s tourism team. This proactive approach aims at strengthening partnerships and fostering growth within North Yorkshire’s visitor economy.

Last week, representatives from Visit North Yorkshire attended a significant conference in London as part of ongoing efforts to promote the region globally. Council officers continue their regular monthly meetings with Make it York, City of York Council, and Visit England to further develop strategies for enhancing local tourism infrastructure and partnerships within North Yorkshire’s visitor economy.

These initiatives underscore the council’s commitment to not only attracting visitors but also ensuring a positive experience that leaves lasting impressions on those who explore this picturesque corner of England.