Bradford's tourism, sport, heritage and arts businesses are being pitched as a crucial part of the district's economic future after it was revealed they generate £616 million a year.

City Hall bosses are now being urged not to overlook an industry which employs 22,500 people when they begin planning the next stage of Bradford's economic development.

In a report to go before the authority's regeneration and economy committee next week, Tim Hirst, the Council's head of strategic support for arts heritage and leisure, argues that culture sets Bradford apart from anywhere else in the region.

He said the industry is less important to Leeds than it is to Bradford: "Leeds is also big in finance whereas Bradford is not. So Bradford needs to put culture at the centre of its regeneration plans - the district needs to find its unique selling point.

"We will argue that it is not just seen as lifestyle issues or hobbies - it generates wealth."

Bradford's cultural plans range from the Impressions photographic gallery, opening in the city centre in the summer, to the ambitious Lightwave project, which aims to attract digital industries to the district.

But Mr Hirst will be advising politicians not to overlook the smaller players in the district's multi-million pound economy.

He said: "Media and digital industries are important but there are other small cottage industries which could slide off the scale.

"We need to ask: Were we serious about the Capital of Culture bid and, if we were, shouldn't we still see ourselves as that?"

Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration and culture, Councillor Simon Cooke, agreed: "We need to recognise cultural businesses, like architects, have an importance that extends beyond money in the way they create, support and bring life to the place.

"Clearly we have to provide a sense of difference and excitement about Bradford which means it attracts those people who are creative.

"It is not just about hard cash or training programmes it is about the way we work with the creative community whether it is through events and festivals or through our own theatres and so on."

The report goes to the committee on Tuesday at 5.45pm. The meeting is at City hall and is open to the public.