Yorkshire Forward, the Regional Development Agency (RDA) for Yorkshire and Humber, has announced it will invest £30m into tourism in the region.

The money will be used as a “catalyst to attract new public and private sector funds and better coordinate existing investment in tourism” and is expected to result in a £300m increase in regional visitor spend each year.

Terry Hodgkinson, chair of Yorkshire Forward, said: “Tourism is a significant driver in Yorkshire and Humber’s economy and represents one of the largest sectors in the region, which is why we’re making this investment to grow this further.”

The investment translates as a funding increase from the RDA of 59 per cent per year over the next three years.

Yorkshire Tourist Board will deliver the investment by working with area tourism partnerships, local authorities and private businesses.

The board’s newly appointed chief executive, Gary Verity, who has succeeded David Andrews as interim chief exec, said: “On the back of Yorkshire Forward’s investment, Yorkshire Tourist Board and our regional tourism partners are committed to taking tourism to the next level, which is an extremely exciting proposition.

“We will capitalise upon our strengths and build upon our rich heritage but reinvigorate our image to promote our diverse and contemporary tourism offering.”