Tourism is an important part of the local economy and its role is often underestimated, not least by the people who live in the Bradford district. Because we see the attractions we have every day, it is easy to take them for granted.

But in Bradford itself we have one of the country’s top museums in the National Media Museum, and our theatres like the Alhambra bring people in from all over the North. And we have many attractions right on our doorstep, such as Bronte country and the Yorkshire Dales.

National figures just released show a one per cent fall in the number of overseas residents visiting the UK last year. That is a worrying trend for the many bars, restaurants, hotels and other businesses in our area that depend on visitor spending. However, it is worth noting that in the same period, the number of UK residents travelling abroad fell by six per cent.

That fall must represent an opportunity to any tourism operators in the UK to try and capitalise on this fall. After all, a good proportion of those not going abroad must be holidaymakers, and many of those have probably decided to save money by not flying.

It is a difficult time to be looking for any expenditure of public money in the face of the ongoing swingeing cuts. But more needs to be done to promote and support this vital part of our economy.

Welcome To Yorkshire has been doing an exceptional job promoting the region, and it must continue to do so.

And Bradford Council needs to makes sure our region doesn’t hide its very real attractions under a bushel.

We know Leeds is pulling out all the stops to promote itself – we must not be left behind.