7. Continue to promote Doncaster as a tourist destination. The development of an 11 day St. Leger Festival with the oldest classic race in the world as its culmination is a real success story. Yorkshire Wildlife Park, with its 13 lions, 2 Siberian Tigers, is a tremendous addition to our already superb tourist offer.
Racing fans soak up the atmosphere at the St Leger Festival
My ambition for Doncaster to capitalise on its heritage and visitor attractions and become a tourist destination is taking shape. We now welcome thousands of visitors from across the world each year and in 2010 the borough was named as one of Trip Advisor’s top 10 emerging European hotspots.
The racecourse is the jewel in our crown, and as a well known racegoer, I am determined that it is recognised as the asset it has been for hundreds of years. As part of this the St. Leger Festival has been revitalised and has become a week long celebration of arts, culture and racing offering something for everyone. In 2010 race day attendance was up by 10% on 2009 and visitors from around the world gave the local economy an estimated £10m boost. This year’s festival featured even more events and some businesses in Doncaster have reported that takings were up 40%.
Residents of the South Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Doncaster has a rich history dating back to Roman times, a Norman keep at Conisbrough Castle and one of three remaining Mansion Houses in the country. We also have Cusworth and Brodsworth Halls, as well as the Doncaster Museum and Art Gallery. I am determined that we will promote and celebrate our history, as well as unique new attractions such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Park. Continuing to manage our tourism offer effectively will increase visitors and the prosperity of the borough.
Furthermore, our community bid for city status, as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations, is going from strength to strength, as we continue to make the most of our advantages and gather substantial support across a wide range of people, including local residents, businesses, politicians and celebrities. The driving force behind the bid was to get the people of Doncaster to show their pride in their local area. This initiative cost the residents of Doncaster little more than the time and effort of council staff. If we win, we do so on our merits, not because of how much we spent on marketing.
