TOURISM businesses across the district have seen a huge surge in visitors during the past year thanks to Yorkshire’s Grand Depart of the Tour de France.

Figures from Visit England show the amount of money spent by visitors to Yorkshire is up by 45 per cent since last June, while the number of people visiting the county was up by a quarter, with the number of overnight visitors was up 20 per cent.

A Visit England spokesman said numerous businesses across Bradford district had reported a boost in visitor numbers since Le Tour, including pubs in Skipton, Addingham and Burnsall.

The race last July passed through the district, taking in Pool-in-Wharfedale, Otley, Addingham, Ilkley, Draughton, Skipton, Silsden, Keighley, Cross Roads, Haworth and Oxenhope along the way.

A report commissioned by Bradford Council earlier this year revealed the Grand Depart brought an extra £12 million to the district, with the potential for £3 million from repeat visitors.

Stephen Walker, business manager of Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, said that while English visitor numbers remained about the same, there had been a surge in foreign holidaymakers.

He added: "There are a lot of Swiss, Dutch and German number plates in our car park. We have had a good season so far and that is really pleasing."

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, the council’s portfolio holder for education, skills and culture, said: “The Tour de France was a great boost to the district, not just socially but also economically, with an estimated £12 million coming into the district.

"And it’s not just about the event itself. Millions of people saw the race on TV and, therefore, it was the best advertisement we could ever have for showing the district off to its best advantage and encouraging people to come, visit and spend money here.”

Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive, Sir Gary Verity, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see that the county and its businesses are reaping the rewards of Yorkshire’s Grand Depart.

“We knew once we showcased Yorkshire to the world, we would inspire potential visitors to come and see this beautiful county for themselves.”

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