Business owners and tourism leaders have said a joint approach to boosting economic growth and the visitor economy will be vital to the future of a leading North Yorkshire destination.
Harrogate is a key focus of our economic development and tourism teams and is looking to take advantage of the benefits of initiatives such as the recently created York and North Yorkshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership and the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Corporate director of community development, Nic Harne, said: “Harrogate is recognised across the country and beyond as a jewel in North Yorkshire’s crown, a place not only to do business, but a base to experience the best in events and festivals.
“Thanks to the hard work of those who work in business and the visitor economy, allied to the knowhow of our economic development and tourism teams, the town is well-placed to exploit future opportunities.”
Figures from Visit North Yorkshire, the region’s destination management organisation, show that hotel occupancy in 2023 was up 10 per cent to 78.7 per cent when compared with the previous year and revenue per room up 15 per cent to £73.55.
One of the people at the heart of the visitor economy is the chief executive of Harrogate International Festivals, Sharon Canavar.
Last year the arts charity delivered 100 events which attracted more than 90,000 people.
“Tourism and live events are incredibly important to Harrogate. From Spiegeltent, a unique pop-up, mirrored venue to the world-renowned Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival, Carnival to community events, there is a host of live events that drive footfall to our town, booking hotel rooms and spending in the local economy,” she said, adding she was particularly looking forward to the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in July.
“We buy over 1,500 hotel bedrooms in the town from the Harrogate International Festivals office alone for this event, with many more of our visitors booking independently into a host of bed and breakfasts and private accommodation.
“The spend for this event alone is huge; bars, restaurants and shops are full and the feedback we receive from retail is incredibly positive.”
Another event that attracted the public’s attention is BEAM, a free light festival, which was being staged on March 15 and 16.
“BEAM showcased our unique architecture and helped bring more footfall into the town centre for two nights,” said the HIF boss. “Times are hard for everyone, so if we can bring a little brightness into our community through our work and help support the businesses that help support us across the year, it’s a win.”
As far as business is concerned, this year looks like being a positive one for Harrogate-based PR agency, Cause UK.
North Yorkshire was allocated £16.9 million to spend on programmes and projects across the county as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Through this, Cause UK received a grant which will help grow its business delivering high-impact PR and marketing services to good causes and ethical businesses.
The company was supported by our growth manager, Michaela Young, who is based in Harrogate.
The money will part fund a new film production service, bolstering its existing film and digital offer for clients, as well as towards an upgraded Cause UK website.
Cause UK managing director, Clair Challenor-Chadwick, said: “We are incredibly excited about what this year will bring and couldn’t think of a better place in which to be based.
“Harrogate is a brand in itself – as evidenced by the likes of Harrogate Spring Water and Bettys and Taylors. It is synonymous with quality.
“As a public relations agency, it’s great to be located in the town. We have clients here, across the UK and internationally and have always felt Harrogate has worked for, not against us, as our home.
“Harrogate has a boutique offer and is a fabulous mix of rural and town, making it a great place to live and work.”
The Harrogate Chamber of Commerce works closely with businesses across the town to help them to thrive and boost their opportunities.
Its chief executive, Martin Mann, said: “The Chamber benefits hugely from the optimism of and professionalism of those around us in Harrogate.
“From the arts and culture brought to us by the Harrogate Theatre and Harrogate International Festivals to the conferences hosted in the Convention Centre, Harrogate has plenty to be proud of.”