YORK has been named the best destination in the UK for a group visit.

The city overcame competition from popular tourist destinations, including London and Blackpool, in the awards organised by Group Travel Organiser magazine.

The magazine’s readers considered York to be the most effective destination in targeting the group tourism market.

The city has previously won the title in 2006 and 2009.

Michelle Brown, senior marketing executive for Visit York, the city’s official tourism board, said: “We are absolutely delighted to regain this title. We aim to keep York the number one choice for this lucrative group visit market.

“Our dedicated groups desk prides itself on the service it provides for groups coming into York and with top attractions such as the National Railway Museum, Jorvik, York Minster and York Castle Museum, as well as a fantastic variety of group-friendly accommodation, we aim to keep York the number one choice for this lucrative group visit market.”

The city’s group tourism industry helped to bring in 10,000 visitors last year and generate an estimated £25 million in profits for York.

A Visit York spokeswoman said it targets the group tourism sector using marketing and public relations campaigns, which involves attending national and international travel trade exhibitions, producing a dedicated visitor guide and website for group organisers and providing familiarisation visits for tour operators.

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Friendly ways

ANOTHER day, another award. This time York has been named the best city in the land for a group visit – and we’re not at all surprised.

The cheery way we greet our visitors is famed far and wide, and while we may have some stunning architecture to marvel at, people make a place and York has some of the friendliest around.

This award is another feather in a well-plumed cap. So let’s not forget just how lucky we are to live in this fine city.

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