Britain is presenting its best face to the world in York.

From today, the city will be hosting The Discovery Workshop, organised by Visit Britain.

Yorkshire Tourist Board and York Tourism Bureau linked arms last summer to win a keenly fought bid for the three-day task. Now the event is using York as its gateway to the best of British.

Millions of pounds will be generated for the British tourist industry as York showcases the finest of the UK's destinations and services for meetings and incentive businesses. The event is expected to generate an extra £3.75 million for York alone.

About 80 decision makers from all over the world, including representatives of incentive houses, business travel agencies and business events will converge on the city to have individual, pre-arranged meetings with 60 UK supplier companies.

And while they are here, many will sample the delights of what York and the surrounding region has to offer.

Some of the overseas delegates, who will stay at the York Marriott, will tomorrow lunch at the Merchant Taylors Hall and later be welcomed at a dinner at York's National Railway Museum.

On Monday, there will be workshop sessions at York Racecourse and in the evening delegates will be entertained at a gala dinner at Castle Howard.

A series of trips are planned on Tuesday to allow delegates to familiarise themselves with York and Yorkshire and as far afield as London and Scotland, using GNER trains, although many will be travelling to destinations using Jet2 at Leeds Bradford Airport.

Kate McMullen, marketing manager for the York Tourism Bureau, said: "The Discovery event is a major coup for York and a real feather in our cap. Hosting the UK's premier showcase for British tourism is a dream opportunity. It also shows that York is being taken seriously as a top class conference destination."