Attempts to show off Bradford as a prime tourist destination got off to a flying start despite blustery weather.

One hundred and sixty delegates representing the UK's top tourism operators spent the weekend learning about the city's heritage, countryside and cuisine.

They came to the area after Bradford Council won a competitive bid to host the Millennium Group Travel Organisers' Association event.

Bradford Council bosses are hoping that enticing so many top operators to the city will enhance its bid to become the European City of Culture.

Conference manager Dale Fickes, who comes from Allerton in Bradford, said: "It's been excellent. They have been highly delighted. I have not had any negative comments.

"The prime thing is that we are holding the annual general meeting here in Bradford. Delegates will take back their experiences and hopefully organise their own tours.

"We are finding that tourism is developing abroad with the advent of the Channel Tunnel and the fact that people are coming to Bradford is a sign that we are trying to develop the home market."

Other attractions during the visit were elegant Cartwright Hall art gallery, the model Victorian industrial village of Saltaire and Salts Mill containing Europe's largest collection of David Hockney works.

For delegates Michael and Jill Stern, of central London, it was their first time in Bradford.

Mr Stern said: "We've never been to Bradford before but it's been very nice. We enjoyed going to see The National Museum of Film and Photography and going backstage at The Alhambra and visiting the Colour Museum.

"We're looking forward to having a meal at the Indian restaurant, The Punjab Grill, and then a trip out to Bronte country."

Mr Fickes was instrumental in bringing the group to the city for its AGM and conference. He added: "After Birmingham last year I said everyone had to come to Bradford and it spiralled from there."

The delegates began their fact-finding tour on Friday night with an evening of traditional Irish dancing and singing.

Gina Glot of Bradford Marketing said: "Bradford has over 60,000 people of Irish descent so it seemed a good way to start. Everybody absolutely loved it.

"And on Saturday night we put on a brass band and served Yorkshire pudding. We've also taken them to see what happens backstage at The Alhambra which was a big success."

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