OVERSEAS visitors are being urged to come to York in a new initiative from the British Tourist Authority (BTA).

The city is being showcased in a free 48-page, full-colour guide called UK City Experience, which will be available in 25 countries.

Designed to attract visitors for either a short break, or as part of a longer holiday in the UK, each of the featured 23 cities is given a brief background description, alongside sections on top highlights, attractions, culture and nightlife.

The York section - which comes just before that for Leeds - recommends the Minster and walks along the city walls, sampling "fat rascals" at Betty's Tea Rooms, and generally becoming immersed in the city's history from the Romans to the Victorians and through to the present.

"Insider tips" include picking up a copy of the York mini-guide, gaining free and discounted entry to attractions with a York Pass, and checking the special offers for people travelling to the city by train.

The new publication has a pull-out guide to events taking place throughout the year - including the York Festival of Food and Drink in September.

BTA chief executive Jeff Hamblin said: "UK City Experience has been designed to make a visit to York both exciting and attractive."

The guide is printed in five languages and complemented by a new website, www.visitbritain.com/city, to be launched in March.

Updated: 10:13 Saturday, January 19, 2002