A STRATEGY to promote tourism as well as capitalising on world-famous heritage will aim to drive forward the economy of Craven and North Yorkshire, helping to support thousands of businesses.

The new North Yorkshire Council says it will be 'instrumental in providing a co-ordinated county-wide plan to promote the visitor economy, while also ensuring the industry is centred around environmentally-friendly business growth.'

A wide range of culture, arts and heritage is seen by the council as vital for developing the sector and ensuring the thousands of independent businesses which rely on the tourism industry can develop.

The council will also take over management of Skipton Heritage Action Zone, a government-funded project which has seen the rejuvenation of parts of the town, including back streets and ginnels off the High Street, the development of the Craven Arts House in Otley Street, and improvements to the town hall.

Council leader, Cllr Carl Les, said: “By having one council we can join up and strengthen North Yorkshire’s cultural offer, lobby for a greater share of funding for arts and culture and support a year-round visitor economy.

“The new council will build on the globally recognised brand of North Yorkshire, advocating for the best possible opportunities for residents and businesses, while protecting and enhancing our landscapes and heritage.”

Talks are under way with politicians and other councils across Yorkshire after the Government announced in November that a national overhaul of destination management organisations, which promote tourism, will take place.

A bid is due to be submitted for North Yorkshire to be home to a so-called Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), which will involve both the private and public sectors and will need to follow a new national process to be eligible for funding from the Government.

The current destination management organisations are working closely on the project, pooling their knowledge and expertise to ensure the strongest possible proposal for a LVEP is submitted.

The new council will also be engaging with businesses, business networks and the leisure, culture and tourism sectors in the coming weeks to help develop a strong partnership.

Tourism in North Yorkshire is worth £1.5 billion a year in the spend from domestic visitors. It accounts for 11 per cent of the county’s overall economy, and 41,200 workers are employed in the sector.

The success of the Tour de France’s Grand Départ being staged in Yorkshire in 2014 with large parts of the route passing through Craven has seen the county emerge as a prime destination for cyclists from across the world.

Cllr Les added: “We want to strengthen our tourism and cultural offer, by ensuring there are year-round attractions, and increase visitor spend.

“North Yorkshire Council will have a strong voice and will work with the county’s six MPs to ensure that the Government understands and acts on the issues that affect residents and businesses here.

“Via devolution, we will have a real opportunity to lobby the Government to ensure North Yorkshire enjoys the benefits seen in urban areas, which have mayoral-led combined authorities.”