TOURISTS have “flocked” to York this summer - with about two-thirds of people in the city centre being visitors rather than residents.

The city has been popular with ‘staycationers’ - according to analysis by City of York Council.

And tourism is set to be important for the city’s economy during the recovery from the pandemic.

But, while some businesses have thrived, others are struggling, according to a report.

It says the number of people in the city centre is back to between 70 and 75 per cent of normal levels and that visitors are spending more money - with the amount spent in York in August almost the same as it was in the same month in 2019.

Car use is higher than 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels and research shows York chain hotels have been popular in August.

But there has been a significant drop in commuters and residents visiting the city centre. Reports say just seven per cent of people who commute to work in York have returned and the number of residents in town after 7pm has halved.

“Our initial assumption had been that lockdown would mean far fewer visitors from outside of York, and a re-engagement of surburban dwellers with the city centre,” says a report.

“This is not supported by the data, which shows instead that it is visitors who have been flocking to York. We must be mindful of this trend in the coming months.

“The Centre for Cities high street recovery tracker shows that two-thirds of people in our city centre over the summer have been from outside of York.

“The picture we are seeing is one of strong use of the city centre by visitors, typically driving into York.”

The report adds: “Our economy has fared better than many other cities, with York proving a continued draw to visitors and the city centre adapting rapidly to support new ways of trading.

“Our pro-active response as a city has enabled our businesses to reopen and get money coming through the tills.”

Executive member for economy Cllr Andrew Waller said: “Our key priorities since the start of the coronavirus pandemic have been the health and wellbeing of everyone in York and the backing of the city’s economy.

“A considerable amount of work went into reopening the city centre, and supporting the return of customers for retail and hospitality. Footfall has now returned to 75 per cent of normal levels, whilst spending in the city is almost back to 100 per cent.”

While market research says chain hotels have been up to 75 per cent full, the council warns that independent hotels and guesthouses “are faring less well” - and the situation for York’s 1,750 Airbnb properties is not known.

The average price of a hotel room has also been significantly discounted - to £78.28 - the report says.

An update on York’s economy will be discussed at a council meeting on Tuesday at 10am live streamed at youtube.com/user/cityofyorkcouncil.