A TOURISM partnership set up to boost trade in Ilkley in the wake of the 2001 foot and mouth disease outbreak has been wound up following a change in visitor trends.

Ilkley and Wharfedale Tourism Partnership has disbanded after more than decade of bringing together hotels, tourism-related businesses and other organisations in the town.

Originally branded as Bah't 'at Country – taking its name from well-known song On Ilkla Moor Baht 'At – the partnership was established following the health crisis, which saw restrictions close off large areas of the rural landscape, including Ilkley Moor.

Bans on the movement of animals left the local and regional visitor economy troubled.

But declining membership numbers and a fall in Ilkley and Wharfedale a visitor destination for multiple night stays, has led to the decision to bring the partnership to an end.

Secretary, Tim Edwards, said: "It is hoped Ilkley Parish Council will look at ways of maintaining the town as an attractive visitor destination, including facilities, signage and support for the Visitor Information Centre.

"Partnership members will still work together and remain keen to support the town and the visitor economy by offering attractive services and quality accommodation."

With the support of Bradford and Ilkley councils and the Yorkshire Tourist Board, the partnership initially recruited a good number of members, and enjoyed a number of early successes aimed at promoting the area and attracting visitors to support local businesses.

Activities included print and radio stories, the production of leaflets, posters, videos, competitions and a tourism seminar attended by all key players in the visitor economy.

Members were involved in gaining accreditation for Ilkley as an official Walkers Are Welcome town and, working last year with Ilkley Parish Council and other bodies to prepare this part of Wharfedale for Le Grand Départ of Le Tour de France.

A colourful collector's guide was funded by the partnership and distributed widely. Both businesses and residents were kept informed about Le Tour and how they could benefit and enjoy the day.

Mr Edwards says membership of the group declined as the nature of the visitor economy changed. The corporate market, for day and residential conferences and training – particularly outward bound-type activities – has declined massively in the area, he claims.

He added: "Instead, it has seen a rise as a culinary and festival town, with many visitors now coming from a more localised catchment area and often travelling to visit for the day or for an evening, rather than stay for several days.

"As a result, there has been a decline in the number of bed and breakfast/guest accommodation providers and self-catering holidays, as well as midweek hotel demand for business."

Ilkley parish councillor and Ilkley Business Forum chairman, Stephen Butler, last week praised Mr Edwards and Rombalds Hotel manager, Colin Clarkson, for their work on behalf of the partnership and the tourism trade in Ilkley.