Good enough to eat! Yorkshire Tourist Board took a 'nouvelle' approach to the launch of its Group Operators Guide 2000/2001 at the British Travel Trade Fair.

The guide was served up by direct mail to 5000 travel trade delegates with the help of Steve Chestnutt, executive head chef for Ripley Castle Estate.

The first copy of the guide was presented to Sallyanne Bellerby of Coach Tours UK with an invitation to come and see what's cooking in Yorkshire.

William Myles, travel trade executive for YTB said: "The secret of success in the tourist industry is exactly the same as in the kitchen. To get the best results, you need the best ingredients.

"That's what we do in Yorkshire, we take our wide range of quality products, add value for money, and stir in a generous portion of hospitality, mix carefully and serve with a garnish of history, culture and beautiful countryside."

The comprehensive 52-page guide is designed to take the strain out of arranging a group visit to Yorkshire by providing all the information an organiser needs in one publication.

Information published in the guide includes details of accommodation and providers catering for groups, detailed excursion itineraries from around the region, an extensive What's On 2000 events guide, an in depth attractions listing, covering museums, stately homes, castles, gardens, breweries, mills, boat trips and shopping centres.

The Group Operators Guide 2000/2001 forms part of YTB's travel trade marketing campaign, which also includes hosting familiarisation visits to the region, advertising in key travel trade publications and a presence at the World Travel Market Exhibition in London in November.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.