A global audience for Bradford's best

From the archive, first published Friday 10th Feb 2006.

Bradford's top tourism treasures are highlighted in a new visitors'' guide to be sent around the globe.

The guide, with an initial print run of 20,000 copies, is to be officially launched at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television on Monday. It will be distributed nationally as well as in the Netherlands, France, Belgium, Germany, Spain and the USA.

The guide focuses on the district's links with the literary Bronte family, the surrounding countryside and historic buildings.

Breathtaking views of the moorland around Ilkley and Haworth are pictured alongside images of Bradford's City Hall, the Alhambra, the Old Tramshed in Saltaire, and Waterstone's in the Bradford Wool Exchange.

According to figures from Bradford Council, 465,000 people visit the district annually and generate an estimated £293.4 million for the area

Tourism supports 6,033 full-time jobs, and, when part-time and seasonal workers are considered, 8,197 jobs are supported by tourism spending.

Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Margaret Eaton, said: "We are lucky to have such a diverse district full of hidden gems.

"People can use the guide to quickly find out about where to stay or good places to eat or where is a great place to take the family.''

Tourism marketing manager, John Swinburn, said: "We have such a depth of festivals and events going on. Particularly this year with Bradford's Big Summer which will include the Delius Festival and the Hockney Festival.

"There are so many events happening that everyone will find something that appeals to them.''

The guide highlights activities organised by the Council at the district's museums including events at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery set in magnificent award-winning Lister Park and the Bradford Industrial Museum.

Listings at the back of the guide give information about the opening times of attractions including the city's museums and details of other places of interest such as the Bradford Film Festival, St Leonard's farm park in Esholt and Keighley Bus Museum.

There is a special section on the heritage of the city and food lovers can find a feast of information on traditional inns and elegant tea rooms, great curry houses and award-winning restaurants.

Visitors looking to stay for longer than a day can also find information about a range of accommodation across the district from four-star hotels to guest houses.

All the information can be downloaded by visiting www.visitbradford.com. Copies of the Bradford & Bronte Country: Yorkhsire 2006 are available at the three Tourist Information Centres in Bradford, Ilkley and Haworth or they can be posted out. To request a copy, call (01274) 433678.

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