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16
Mar 2024
Survey highlights Knaresborough's tourism potential
A survey has discovered Knaresborough is one of the most popular local towns and cities to visit.
The study by research company 56 Degree Insight asked a representative sample of 500 people from a regional pool to rate 10 nearby places to visit.
Knaresborough ranked third with 87% describing it as either OK, good or excellent, behind only York (93%) and Harrogate (91%) — which are both larger and better known.
Knaresborough scored ahead of Skipton (82%) and Ripon (81%), with Otley in West Yorkshire and Thirsk in joint sixth on 76%. Helmsley, Northallerton and Malton filled the last three slots.
The survey also revealed 93% of visitors were 'very' or 'quite' likely to visit Knaresborough again — higher than anywhere else.
56 Degree Insight also discovered Knaresborough residents' pride in their town.
They asked 300 Knaresborians to rate where they live and 96% said it was either excellent, good or OK. Only Harrogate residents rated their location higher, at 97%. York was third at 89% and Ripon was seventh at 65%.
The results were revealed at this week's annual general meeting of business group Knaresborough & District Chamber.
Executive member Peter Lacey said the results indicated that Knaresborough's already popular visitor economy could be a growth sector.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Lacey said he was still digesting all the results, but the take away message was that there are opportunities for the town to attract visitors and encourage them to stay longer whilst ensuring that the requirements of residents are also addressed.
He said suggestions on how to improve the town, which the survey also covered, attracted positive responses to ideas such as town centre improvements, more benches to sit on and wet weather covers, adding:
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