THE York Golden Jubilee Rugby League Festival has been hailed as a big success not just on the field but also by tourist chiefs in the city.

Sixteen teams from across the UK, France and Ireland came to York for the unique nine-a-side tournament and brought with them hundreds of rugby league fans from all over the country.

Gillian Cruddas, chief executive of York Tourism Bureau, said: "The event was a fantastic opportunity for visitors and residents to experience the city at its most vibrant.

"The event attracted almost 2,000 spectators many of whom had travelled from far and wide.

"Hotels, guest houses, restaurants, bars and attractions all benefited from the increase in visitor numbers. York's festivals and events programme gets stronger year on year and sports tourism in Britain is most definitely gaining in importance."

As revealed by the Evening Press, the festival is now set to become an annual fixture.

Tony Bennett, City of York Council's assistant director for economic development and chair of the First Stop York tourism partnership, said: "The RL festival was considered a great success by businesses in York who enjoyed welcoming the teams to their accommodation."

Lord Mayor of York Councillor David Horton, who presented the Fairfax Cup to tournament winners the London KooGas, said: "It was a wonderful event and the whole of the civic party enjoyed it tremendously."

The international tournament at Heworth ARFLC was backed by the Rugby Football League and City of York Council. It was also supported by Super League clubs Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos.

Tournament director Lionel Hurst said he hoped it would become a permanent fixture in the city's sporting calendar. Said the former London Broncos supremo: "It was a magnificent success and a wonderful day out.

"There is no reason why we cannot build on this and take the idea forward. There is great demand for the festival to be incorporated in the annual calendar of City of York events."

York Leisure Office is hosting a meeting next week to plan next year's tournament while endorsements for this year's event have already come from every club.

Updated: 12:33 Friday, June 21, 2002