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Tour de France provided £8.3 million boost to York economy

The Tour de France brought an £8.3 million boost to the York economy in one weekend, a report to city leaders has said.

Officials at City of York Council say the benefits will continue to be felt for years to come, although the figure falls far short of the £75 million boom predicted by the council during the bid process in 2012.

A report to go to the council cabinet next week says York gained national and international profile, inward investment, and an increase in visitors.

A spokeswoman said: “Over the weekend alone, Le Tour generated an additional spend of £8.3 million into the York economy.

“The city saw an estimated 200,000 spectators line the route on race day to see the once in a lifetime event. A further 18.6 million people tuned in around the world to see the peloton roll through York’s historic streets.”

She said a survey of York residents found 94 per cent felt the event had been positive for the area, while 72 per cent of visitors said their image of Yorkshire had been enhanced.

Cllr Sonja Crisp, cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, said: “York playing host to the start of stage 2 of the 2014 Tour de France was a truly once in a lifetime event. I would like to thank all the staff involved from the council, the emergency services and city-wide partners who’ve worked so hard to showcase the best of the city to the world - they are the unsung heroes of the tour.”

The report cited the Tour de Tang Hall as an example of the city-wide enthusiasm and community spirit. Around 400 local families attended the event, which was later recognised at the York Community Pride Awards.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robert Beaumont .