A YORK tourism chief says the city must maintain and grow strong relationships with Europe following Britain's vote to leave the EU.

Kate McMullen, head of tourism at Make It York, said tourism delivered more than 100,000 visitors from Europe each year, primarily from Germany, France, the Netherlands and Spain.

"This makes a significant impact on the local economy," she said. "Over half of those travelling from overseas come from Europe, the rest from the United States, Australia and the rest of the world.

"Based on today’s referendum results, it is now even more crucial for York to maintain and grow strong relationships with Europe, both for tourism and for international trade. Our priority must be to continue to strengthen relationships with the inbound tourism sector as a whole."