TOURIST businesses in the numerous market towns across North Yorkshire are to be offered specialist advice on how to exploit their unique qualities to beat the credit crunch.

"Tourism - Your 'X-Factor' and the Credit Crunch" is the title of a free seminar being staged by North Yorkshire County Council's Economic Development Unit next month aimed at businesses and partnerships which rely on tourism for their income. Experts have been lined up to offer advice and help in ways of exploiting each town's distinctive attractions to the best advantage.

"Market towns face many issues and challenges," said Councillor Greg White, North Yorkshire’s member for Economic Development.

"With ever increasing competition and the likely impact of the current economic climate, towns have to come up with new and innovative ideas to ensure their tourism appeal remains attractive.

"This wide-ranging seminar will give a host of tips and advice on how to achieve that ... and what's more, it's free."

The seminar will be held at the Middleham Key Centre in Park Lane, Middleham, Leyburn, from 9.15am to 1pm on Friday December 5.

Speakers lined up to offer advice include Lucy Pierce, the campaigns manager for the Yorkshire Tourist Board, Sarah Howsen of the Yorkshire Dales and Harrogate Tourism Partnership, John Shepherd of Business Link Yorkshire, and Susan Briggs of The Tourism Network.

To book a place at the seminar, contact Steve.Leatherbarrow@northyorks.gov.uk