TOURISM in East Yorkshire is booming and the choice of Hull as UK City of Culture in 2017 is set to give the region a further boost.

A report to East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s cabinet says tourism was worth £497 million to its area in 2013, up by more than eight per cent from £459 million the previous year.

The number of jobs supported by tourism is estimated to have risen by a similar proportion, from 10,145 to 10,971, more than the five per cent annual target set by the authority.

The report says renewed enthusiasm for famed Wolds artist David Hockney has also helped attract more visitors.

The report, by Alan Menzies, the council’s director of planning and economic regeneration, said the priority would now be to market the Yorkshire Coast, the Wolds and Beverley to both new and existing visitors, with a continuing investment in infrastructure, facilities and a strong events programme.

He said a new three-year strategy has been drawn up by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire, a partnership between the council, Hull City Council and local private businesses, and a detailed three year action plan will follow.

“It is essential that Hull and East Yorkshire has its own clear and defined strategy that will support and increase tourism both now and in the future,” said Mr Menzies.

“We strongly believe that this joined up approach on tourism delivery will provide clarity, reduce duplication and provide efficiencies.

“The strength of the tourism offer will provide the visitor with more reasons to visit Hull and East Yorkshire, stay longer and spend more money within the local economy.

“The celebration of Hull as the City of Culture in 2017 is a unique opportunity which we all must grasp.

“The award ... provides Hull with an opportunity to transform attitudes and perceptions of Hull, locally, nationally and internationally, as a place to live, work, play and visit.”

It also says the new strategy is based on “partnership, people, product and promotion”, and it is essential local businesses engage with the strategy and work with the partnership to help it deliver the outcomes it is seeking.