WELCOME to Yorkshire has revealed that the value of tourism to the Yorkshire economy has grown to £9 billion per year.

The news, announced at its yearly tourism show Y19, comes as Welcome to Yorkshire revealed plans for a major consultation which will help shape its focus and strategy over the next 10 years.

The 1,000-strong audience heard exclusive details from research by the Business School at Sheffield Hallam University, showing that the value of tourism has grown by £1billion in the 12 months from 2016-17, the latest year for which full figures are available.

Y19 marked exactly 10 years since Welcome to Yorkshire was launched at the same venue, The Royal Armouries in Leeds. The show looked at how the county’s profile has grown over the last decade and announced exciting plans to continue that success story.

Peter Dodd, Commercial Director at Welcome to Yorkshire said: "To have the tourism industry grow by £1billion in 12 months is fantastic news and everyone in the county should be incredibly proud of all the hard work that is being done to continue to raise Yorkshire’s profile.

"Brand Yorkshire has never been stronger and together with our members, partners and everyone in the tourism industry we look forward to building on that success even more. Welcome to Yorkshire will continue to be bold, creative and ambitious to bring world class events to the region to underpin the vital lifeblood of grassroots tourism."

The tourism body is determined to fully address the issues raised after the resignation of its Chief Executive last month and announced two independent investigations into behaviour and expenses concerns during Sir Gary Verity’s tenure.

At Y19, there was a big focus on Welcome to Yorkshire’s plans for the future and a number of major tourism announcements were made.

Bradford TV presenter Anita Rani and celebrity chef Brian Turner both appeared on stage with details on this summer’s huge BBC Countryfile Live event which will make its Yorkshire debut from August 15-18. It will be largest event ever to be staged at Castle Howard with over 60,000 visitors expected.