TOURISM in York is enjoying a massive upsurge, new figures have revealed.

European visitors are flocking back to the city and spending more on nights out, while researchers have found that 22 per cent of tourists who come to Yorkshire, also stay in York.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of the York Tourism Bureau, said visitor numbers for May last year were the best for the last four years, while numbers for June, July and August were the best for five years. The city's hotels also reported that room and bed occupancies in 2004 were at their highest levels since the mid-1990s.

Mrs Cruddas said: "York is experiencing something of a recovery regarding the number of overseas visitors, mainly due to European visitors, and the UK market is strong."

Figures also revealed that accommodation revenues went up from £65 million in 2002 to £76 million in 2003, while eating out revenue increased from £38 million in 2002 to £42 million in 2003.

Mrs Cruddas said: "This is all great news for tourism and the city's economy and we are delighted with the success of our PR and marketing campaigns.

"UK short breaks are becoming ever more popular and the variety and quality of what York has to offer is a credit to the many York businesses who welcome our visitors each year."

Meanwhile, research by Yorkshire Tourist Board (YTB) found that tourists tempted to Yorkshire by its visitor guide last year spent £54 million - two-thirds more than in 2003. It found that after the traditional East Coast seaside resorts like Scarborough, Whitby and Bridlington, the most popular destinations were York with 22 per cent of the total tourists, the Yorkshire Dales with 21 per cent and the North York Moors, which saw a five per cent rise to 17 per cent.

Updated: 11:32 Friday, February 11, 2005