Harrogate hailed as 'gateway to the Dales' as staycation figures rise

Fining will be 'very last resort' for those not wearing masks, North Yorkshire Police says

The number of visitors on the Visit Harrogate website has increased by more than 400% compared to this time three months ago and is now comparable to that of 2019, which saw the UCI Road World Championships sweep across the district.

A spokesperson said: “It’s really great to see the district’s tourism and hospitality businesses opening up to visitors again.

“We have seen an increase of over 400% in traffic to our website compared to this time three months ago.

“In fact our overall web traffic has now increased to levels comparable to 2019 - an exceptional year due to the UCI World Road Cycling Championships - as more visitors are looking to spend their summer and autumn breaks in the district.

“As more and more of our businesses sign up to the Government’s officially recognised ‘We’re Good to Go’ consumer mark, Harrogate is set to be a key destination for staycations and days out for the remainder of the year.”

The new consumer mark is Government backed and confirms that the businesses in question are adhering to Government and Public Health guidance, have carried out a Covid-19 risk assessment and have all the required processes in place so that visitors can feel reassured and can enjoy their day out or staycation with confidence.

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The badge will be displayed in windows, on websites and on social media for a number of attractions and destinations.

Visit Harrogate has also launched the ‘Know Before You Go’ scheme, reminding visitors of the key rules they must adhere to before they travel to the district.

But the trend is proving that while tourists are keen to escape to North Yorkshire - with it being voted the seventh most popular staycation destination by users of My Late Deals - they are currently spending more time looking at places offering more outdoor, rural options than city lifestyle.

Peter Banks, Managing Director at Rudding Park, said last week that his holiday park destination had seen more bookings than the hotel, with more people opting for outdoor adventures.

And Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, James Mason, says the Harrogate district’s unique location and easy access to the Dales is its biggest selling point in the current climate.

He added: “Tempting tearooms, gorgeous gardens, heritage hotels, stylish shopping and excellent event venues, all in one sensational spa town. Harrogate has it all, doesn’t it?

“As a regular visitor with my wife and children whilst also stopping by to see the grandparents, the vast expanse of glorious greenery and pretty parks offers that connection with nature alongside all the benefits of a large retail destination.

“It’s home to Bettys, Yorkshire Tea and the annual Great Yorkshire Show - with over 130,000 visitors and 8,500 animals as well as Welcome to Yorkshire’s Pink Pavilion.

“With The Dales on the doorstep it’s also the gateway to Yorkshire’s outstanding outdoors. What’s not to like?”

With Welcome to Yorkshire recently launching its post-lockdown recovery plan, ‘Reopen, Recover and Rebuild’, to boost tourism across the county, he says marketing has never been more important. In a column written for the Harrogate Advertiser this week, Mr Mason adds: “If you are reading this, you’ll know how great Harrogate is already. But how can we push this message out to a larger audience to attract them to come more often, stay longer and spend more?

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“As lockdown is lifting, every corner of the county is adapting to a new chapter and looking at ways ahead to secure a safe and enjoyable visitor experience for all. Tourism is worth £9bn to the Yorkshire economy and employs almost 225,000 people, but the sector has taken a big hit as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

“Welcome to Yorkshire has been working closely with businesses, attractions, venues and local authorities, on a Tourism Recovery Plan to reopen, recover and rebuild the county’s much-loved tourism industry as #YorkshireTogether.”

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