The bigger picture

Tourism, television and film

THE FACT that Yorkshire tourism has so much to lose, as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown, is very much due to the county’s preeminence as the visitor location in Great Britain.

It’s a small consolation on another Bank Holiday weekend which will, inevitably, highlight the dilemma to lift the lockdown to assist the economy and a continuing need to protect public health at all costs.

And as work intensifies to help tourism-related firms at this critical juncture, it is imperative that the importance of the county’s television and film industry is fully taken into account.

One reason why so many people from here, and abroad, choose to visit the region is because they have been enticed here by the stunning scenery witnessed on TV or at the cinema.

From Gentleman Jack and Happy Valley to Downton

Abbey or enduring soaps like Emmerdale which has resumed filming this week, no other region enjoys this level of prime-time exposure.

It’s also coverage which is testament to years of investment in Yorkshire’s creative industries to ensure that this region has the talent, and skills, necessary to make the most of such opportunities.

And while this sector is, like all others, counting the cost of Covid-19 and its wider economic impact, Yorkshire’s record should serve the region well when filming resumes and new programmes commissioned.

Now it’s a case of selling this story of success to the wider TV, film and media industry so that no opportunity is missed to promote Yorkshire and, in doing so, offer a glimmer of hope to tourism businesses in their darkest hour.