TOURISM figures in Hull hit 5.5 million figures in 2016 - a 11.5 per cent increase on the previous year.

Figures taken from an independent study commissioned by Visit Hull and East Yorkshire show the value of tourism to the area increased to £285 million, a rise of £10 million in just one year.

The data also shows international overnight visits increased to almost 40,000, and day visits hit 5.3 million with day visit spending up six per cent to £158.3 million.

Hull's Cllr Terry Geraghty said they were confident of more growth to come.

He added: “It fantastic to see such great results during 2016, a year that saw huge transformation projects like the regeneration of the city centre public realm taking place. It shows that the excitement and anticipation built ahead of 2017 was real.

"The contribution to the local economy is invaluable and we hope to see a further boost when we receive the results for our year as UK City of Culture 2017."