TOURISM in York has been given a half-a-million-pound boost after the announcement that a major educational conference is to take place in the city.

The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) annual conference will be held at the Barbican, from May 2 to 5.

Since the announcement there has been a constant stream of inquiries, and so far half-a-million-pounds worth of confirmed bookings had been received - along with more than 400 inquiries.

More than 500 delegates are expected at the event, which last year was held in Torquay.

Lyn Gilroy, NAHT conference organiser, said: "We have held a number of meetings in York, it's a great venue, easy to get to and our members really enjoy visiting the city.

"We are unable to say what the 'hot topics' will be at this stage, but there will be lots of lively debate."

Kate McMullen, marketing manager for the Tourism Bureau's conference desk, said: "We're delighted to have beaten stiff competition from other destinations to persuade the NAHT to visit York.

"We have a very strong conference team and an excellent product to sell, giving us a winning formula."

York's conference desk has also just secured several high-profile international conferences.

In May, 100 U.S. lawyers will visit for the Stetson University annual conference, to be held at the Monkbar Hotel.

Later on in the year, for the first time in its history, the Basic Trauma Life Support (BTLS) Conference will leave the United States for York, and it will take place in November.

Jackie Strange of BTLS, Chicago, said: "York fits the quintessential English town that Americans have in mind.

"It has just the right mix of small-town charm and metropolitan sophistication."

York Tourism Bureau is in the final stages of two further bids for overseas conferences attracting delegates from Europe and the United States.

Updated: 09:52 Tuesday, March 04, 2003