A massive public consultation is to be carried out as part of the development of a new tourism strategy for the Bradford district.

Over 400 letters have gone out to hoteliers, traders, tourist attraction organisers and bus and train companies across the district inviting them to take part in special workshops in Bradford, Haworth, and Ilkley.

Bradford Council in partnership with Yorkshire Tourist Board wants to hear their views on the future of tourism in the district to help develop a strategy which will link in with Bradford's European Capital of Culture bid for 2008.

The free workshops will be held at: The Old White Lion, West Lane, Haworth on October 15; The Savile Room, City Hall, Bradford, on October 23; and Westwood Lodge, Wells Road, Ilkley on October 25. All will be from 11am to 3pm.

David Andrews, chief executive of the Yorkshire Tourist Board, said: "The development of the new tourism strategy is a vital step in ensuring the district has the right tourism product to maximise the benefits from the Capital of Culture bid. Consultation with the industry is essential as the strategy will be the blueprint for the future growth of tourism in the area."

Coun Anne Hawksworth, Bradford Council's executive member for the environment, said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with Yorkshire Tourist Board to ensure tourism can play its role in the Capital of Culture bid and in delivering Bradford's 20/20 Vision.

Members of the public can send their ideas for tourism development to the council via the Bradford Conference Desk, Third Floor, Mercury House, Manchester Road, Bradford, BD5 0QL or e-mail conference.desk

@bradford.gov.uk.