STAFF at the York Tourism Bureau are celebrating success after reaching a major milestone in the organisation's 17-year history.
The bureau officially accepted its 500th member yesterday as the Balloon Tree Farmshop and Caf at Gate Helmsley became the latest in a string of centres to seek its help and advice.
Farm shop owner Jill Machin said: "While the public tend to hear the word 'fresh' in every retail outlet it seems to have lost its true meaning. Balloon Tree 'fresh' means minutes and hours, not days."
As well as growing its own fruit and vegetables, the Balloon Tree also plans to launch a pick-your-own trail in 2005, and introduce goats and ponies to the site.
"By joining forces with the York Tourism Bureau we believe we will increase publicity for the business and increase our visitor numbers," she said.
Set up in 1987, the bureau began with fewer than five staff and a handful of members.
Chief executive Gillian Cruddas said: "Recruiting our 500th business is a clear indication of our success. All kinds of businesses not directly associated with tourism are now reaping the benefits that tourism brings to them."
Updated: 10:45 Thursday, September 02, 2004
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