Welcome to Yorkshire (WTY) was the official tourism agency for the traditional county of Yorkshire, the largest county in the United Kingdom, promoting Yorkshire tourism both nationally and internationally, until 2022. It was formerly known as the Yorkshire Tourist Board until 2009, but underwent a rebranding,[1] and a move to offices in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The stated aim of the organisation was: 'to grow the county's visitor economy'.[2] The Chief Executive from 2008 until his resignation in March 2019 was Sir Gary Verity. The next Chief Executive, James Mason, was appointed in 2019 having previously worked as chief operating officer of Bradford City Football Club and a journalist for the BBC.[3]
James Mason left Welcome to Yorkshire in 2021 following an investigation,[4] and on 1 March 2022, the business entered administration,[5][6] before having its assets – including the Welcome to Yorkshire name and trademarks, sold to be run by another organisation in future.[7] The business was carrying significant debts at the time of its demise, largely to a local pension fund.[8]
- ^ Cook, Tim. "Welcome to Yorkshire business tourism drive". Harrogate News. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ^ White Rose Awards. "Yorkshire Awards its Tourism Stars – 4th October 2010". White Rose Awards 2010. White Rose Awards. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ^ Ballinger, Alex (2 December 2019). "New Welcome to Yorkshire chief executive vows to 'regain trust' after recent controversies". Cycling Weekly. Retrieved 4 November 2020.
- ^ Burn, Chris (4 December 2021). "Councils refuse to reveal details of Welcome to Yorkshire investigation into ex-chief executive James Mason". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
- ^ Burn, Chris. "Welcome to Yorkshire goes into administration as council leaders end public funding". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
- ^ "Welcome to Yorkshire goes into administration". BBC News. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
- ^ "Welcome Back to Yorkshire!". Welcome back to Yorkshire.com. Yorkshire.com (International) Ltd. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
- ^ Burn, Chris (23 April 2022). "Revealed: Welcome to Yorkshire owes £2m debt to 67 creditors – including public sector pension fund". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 1 May 2022.