TOURISM bosses for York and the region have urged local people to "keep calm and carry on" following the European referendum, and say the weak pound may help attract more visitors to the UK.

Both Make It York and Welcome to Yorkshire have said they remain optimistic about the future of tourism in the region and are keener than ever to promote the message that international visitors are welcome.

Welcome to Yorkshire urged communities in Yorkshire "to pull together and support each other like never before", with the continued objective of making the county "a friendly, attractive and inspiring place to visit for domestic and international visitors alike."

As well as a potential boom in staycation holidaymakers if the cost of overseas travel rises, the decline in the value of sterling will act as a further incentive for international visitors from Europe and America as the Euro and Dollar will go further, the organisations said.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "We remain naturally optimistic and we take the view that the best of our work is in front of us.

“The result does not mean we are any less welcoming to our friends in Europe or anywhere else in the world. We will work harder than ever to ensure their stay is warm, welcoming and memorable and we will continue as ever in our mission to make Yorkshire the number one tourist destination.”

Their message came as York was shortlisted as one of ten European cities up for the Interrail European Destination of the Year Award 2016.

As of yesterday afternoon, the city was in sixth place behind Valencia, Budapest, Bologna, Rotterdam and Salzberg, however voting will run until July 6.

Kate McMullen, head of tourism at Make It York, said: "We’re absolutely delighted our entry into these awards has been successful and that York has been shortlisted.

"York is loved for its rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant cultural life. If you’re passionate about York, please vote for the city to win. Winning will be a fantastic achievement, further cementing the city’s position for international and European visitors as a brilliant go-to destination by rail."

You can vote for York in the Interrail European Destination of the Year 2016 competition at www.facebook.com/interrail