AN appeal for fresh ideas to help promote Ilkley's tourist status has had a good response.

The Ilkley Tourist Management Committee made the plea last month and committee secretary Miggy Bailey said: "We really hoped the town's hoteliers would get behind the committee and I am pleased that we have had some interest, especially from the Rombalds Hotel."

"I know the Craiglands Hotel has also been involved with the committee and I would say again, any hoteliers wanting to get involved with the committee will be very welcome," she said.

The committee has just produced a new map for tourists which will make life much easier for tourists and shoppers visiting the town.

Mrs Bailey said: "I think it should be stressed the committee is concerned with the management of existing tourism, rather than just looking at ways of increasing it."

The committee, which grew out of a Bradford Council tourism management survey in 1991, has enjoyed excellent support from a wide range of groups and organisations in Ilkley. These include traders, historical societies, Ilkley in Bloom and the Ilkley Round Table.

Mrs Bailey said: "It is important to manage the existing facilities, making sure what we already have is acceptable for and appeals to, tourists."

"We are very aware that promoting tourism has to be appropriate for Ilkley. We are not trying to turn Ilkley into Blackpool," she said.

"Areas such car parking, signing and public conveniences are very important if Ilkley is to attract tourists and hopefully make them want to come back," she said.

Mrs Bailey said: "Although we have a dozen or so very committed members, we are always keen for fresh ideas and input."

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