A moorland tea party launched a new tourism group which hopes to put Ilkley and Wharfedale on the map.

Hoteliers, tourism bosses, festival organisers and councillors met for tea and scones at Ilkley's Craiglands Hotel to celebrate the new Baht'at Country Tourism Partnership yesterday, with a rendition of the anthem On Ilkley Moor Baht'at.

The partnership, developed as part of Bradford Council's tourist strategy with Yorkshire Tourist Board, hopes to promote the area as a tourist hotspot.

Chair of the partnership Tim Edwards, pictured with Karis Clarkson as the bunny, said: "Our area isn't readily seen as a classic 'Honey Pot' tourist destination, yet has much to offer the visitors as the base for a great stay in Yorkshire. We believe that if those of us involved in the local hospitality and leisure sectors can come together, we can successfully promote this area as a great place to visit and stay. Baht'at Country will bring the area under the single banner, complete with brand and marketing plan."

Yesterday's tea party also launched a website where people can find out more about accommodation and activities - www.visitbahtatcountry.co.uk. The new partnership is keen to recruit more members from the Wharfedale region.

Ilkley Parish Council chairman Councillor Kate Brown said: "All of us who live in Wharfedale know how beautiful it is. It's one of the most beautiful areas in the country and tourism is vital to Ilkley. There have been setbacks over the past few years, such as foot-and-mouth but let's look forward to the future." The partnership aims to market Wharfedale, to lobby for improved facilities and benefit from information on Bradford Council's tourist activities.

Bradford Council's tourism marketing officer, John Swinburn, said: "It is match-funded by Bradford Council so for the membership fee of £200, Bradford Council matches it with £200 which goes towards marketing."

Bradford councillors welcomed the launch. Ilkley Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for the environment and culture, and chairman of Ilkley Summer Festival, said: "We want to bring events together to the outside world so people know there is not just one festival - there is a succession of them."