Tourists are avoiding York, my home town – but I know how to get them back

The writer argues that York’s falling visitor numbers matter because tourism supports much of the city’s economy, even though crowds can make its narrow streets difficult for residents. The decline leaves locals with mixed feelings: some relief at fewer tourists, but concern that the city’s mix of historic attractions, genteel treats and lively nights out may be putting visitors off.

Visitor numbers from January to June were down 8% on the same period in 2025, while visits to city attractions fell by 17%, according to the BBC. Residents often blame parking at £5 an hour, while the writer suggests the contrast between bookshops and tea rooms and hen and stag parties could also deter visitors. Their tongue-in-cheek proposals include borrowing ideas from New York, attracting celebrity fans to York City FC and reviving a Yorkie Bar-inspired slogan.