TOURISM chiefs today "took heart" from mixed results in a new visitor survey.

But they admitted they were keeping a watchful eye on the impact of the London terror attacks in case it damages a lynchpin of the York economy.

The survey revealed that visitor numbers were up 75,000 from 3.875 to 3.95 million in 2004.

However tourist spending was down £1.1 million, to £283.6 million. It rose on accommodation and night entertainment, but slumped on food and drink and on visiting attractions. Shop spending remained constant.

The annual visitor snapshot also showed hotel occupancy rates in 2004 were the best since 1999 - about three per cent higher than in the previous year.

But from February to June this year, bed bookings were down an average of seven per cent. Although hotel owners now hope the Ascot factor will boost the second half of 2005.

Tourists gave the city the thumbs-up for history, attractions, shops and interesting buildings.

Moans included parking, traffic and queues, although two-thirds of those quizzed had no gripes at all.

Updated: 10:37 Friday, August 12, 2005