FOOD-LOVING tourists who visit the Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate are eating out more than ever before, according to new figures.

The investigation, undertaken by the Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate Tourism Partnership, found that a record number of visitors were enjoying the region’s top quality cuisine.

More than 1,600 questionnaires were completed by people who had requested a copy of the Yorkshire Dales Official Holiday Guide 2007.

The survey found that eating out was the second most popular activity, making up part of the trip for 83.4 per cent of respondents. (The most popular was sightseeing by car, with 84.3 per cent).

this year it’s clear that food is still one of the top attractions for visitors to the Dales and Harrogate

John Jagger - Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate Tourism Partnership

The “eating out” figure has now increased for the fourth year running, up from 74.3 per cent in 2004, 77.2 per cent in 2005 and 78.4 per cent in 2006. Better still, the region’s restaurants and pubs scored an average satisfaction rating of 4.3 out of 5 and 4.26 out of 5 respectively.

The survey also found that the average total spend per visit was £446, with almost a quarter of that – £98 – spent on eating and drinking. An average of £196 was spent on accommodation, £64 on shopping, £50 on transport and £38 on entertainment.

And that average eating out bill clearly represents good value for money, having barely since changed since 2005 (when the average spend was £97) and 2006 (when it was £96).

John Jagger, Executive Chair of the Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate Tourism Partnership, said: “Our annual survey never fails to produce some interesting statistics, and this year it’s clear that food is still one of the top attractions for visitors to the Dales and Harrogate.”