New guide for larger groups planning to visit York

Extending York’s warm welcome to all, a guide for organisers of visits to the city has been published to help them plan and enjoy their visits safely and considerately.

York is proud of its welcoming and vibrant evening and night-time economy. As one of the safest cities in the UK, visitors return year after year to enjoy the diverse range of activities on offer. This has also been highlighted by the international Purple Flag award, which saw our city centre’s safety, cleanliness and vibrancy recognised by independent assessors.

The new guide and checklist give group organisers tips on how to be safe and considerate while visiting York. Tips include pre-booking, remembering that York’s a popular family destination, public toilet and taxi rank locations, and checking that hotels will accept larger groups.

Complementing the guide for party organisers, a partner pack is available for businesses across the city.  The pack includes free posters, social media graphics and stickers, and is designed to help local businesses reinforce how visitors can keep the city safe and welcoming whilst being considerate of others, including their staff. Businesses can promote the Purple Flag accreditation by using, personalising and displaying the posters and social media graphics provided.

Adam Wardale, Chair of the Hospitality Association York (HAY), said: “It’s no surprise that York is a popular destination for all group sizes. We are fortunate to have a varied accommodation offering world-class attractions, award-winning restaurants and a buzzing nightlife. Groups play a vital role in supporting the York economy, so it is important that we continue to build on our reputation as a safe city to visit. We all have our part to play and this guide is a great step forward.”

Sarah Loftus, Managing Director at Make It York, said: “We're incredibly proud of York's Purple Flag status, which is credit to our thriving evening economy. We know that many groups choose to visit York because they feel safe in our city. This guide is designed to help those groups plan their trips safely and considerately, so that everybody can continue to enjoy everything that York has to offer." 

Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of The York BID, said: “Recently recognised by Booking.com as the sixth most welcoming city in the world, York has a thriving visitor economy and the majority of people who come, respect our city, the businesses and residents. Our BID rangers work hard to welcome visitors and help them in the city. We’re delighted to support the Purple Flag accreditation as it will encourage everyone visiting to be safe and considerate of others.”

Cllr Ashley Mason, Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “York’s popularity with people who wish to celebrate special occasions or simply take a short break from the day-to-day in a safe and welcoming city, is a credit to the many businesses who contribute to, and benefit from, our vibrant night-time economy.

“The vast majority of larger groups are respectful to the city and the people who live and work here. However, we recognise the impact some larger groups can have on local residents and families enjoying the city centre. That is why we continue to work with businesses and organisers to help groups plan and enjoy their visits safely and considerately.”

Cllr Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Communities, said: “We welcome all who help support York be safe, welcoming and considerate. We know the behaviour of a small minority of larger groups can be intimidating and, on occasions, inappropriate.

“Across the city, licensees welcome smaller groups, especially those which have booked in advance and are eating, and our partners including the BID Rangers, are in the city centre to encourage anyone acting inappropriately to reconsider their behaviour.”

The guide is available at: www.visityork.org/groups.

The partner pack and resources are available at www.visityork.org/purpleflag

Find out more about the Purple Flag accreditation at: www.atcm.org/purple-flag