TOURISM in York has enjoyed a big boost in the wake of the Tour de France, with one short break specialist reporting a 60 per cent increase in bookings.

Visit York says bookings from across Europe are already flooding in as a result of the superb broadcast coverage for Yorkshire's Grand Départ.

Kate McMullen, head of the city's tourism organisation, said that almost a month after the race, the city is still 'feeling the buzz', with visitors from both the UK and overseas commenting on the stunning scenes of York and Yorkshire screened across the world.

"We heard some great feedback from our visitors who were in the city on the day too, so we’re confident we’ll continue to see a strong legacy in the months and years to come," she said.

York-based short break specialist, SuperBreak, which currently works with 55 hotels in York including The Queen’s Hotel, Cedar Court Grand, The Royal York Hotel and Parsonage Hotel and Spa, said it had seen an impressive increase in online and call centre bookings for its Yorkshire breaks since the Grand Départ.

"In the wake of July 5 and 6, Yorkshire revenue was up by more than 60 per cent year on year, with York and Harrogate coming out as the top two destinations," said spokesman Khalid Amin.

"Although Yorkshire’s role in the race resulted in driving visitors to the region in their thousands for the weekend itself, the success continues by bringing continued tourism – both through local inhabitants choosing a ‘staycation’ and those travelling from further afield.

“Yorkshire took centre stage for the Tour de France Grand Départ and the locations seen on screen have really sparked an interest in our region."

The Best Western Dean Court Hotel near York Minster, which the Peloton soared past on Sunday July 6, tweeted: "We can't be only ones - but bookings coming in from French people seeing York on TV."

Keith Wood, owner of Ascot House, a family-run guest house in East Parade, Heworth, said: "We have never before had so many French guests as we have had this year - before, during and since the Tour de France."

Kristine Livingston, of St George’s bed and breakfast off Tadcaster Road. said: "We always have a lot of people from abroad and yes, we have seen an increase."

"The Tour de France was a fantastic event that not only has encouraged visitors to visit Yorkshire, but has made a great impact on the outstanding numbers we've seen both in the the city of York but also to The Grand. We've been fully booked for le tour weekend since March and have remained busy throughout this period, which has been a great boost to the hotel.