RYEDALE is to promote itself as an "ideal" short-break destination with up-market themed package holidays.

A report by the council's economic development department says there is now a consortium approach to marketing involving the authority, Ryedale Tourism Association, Yorkshire Tourist Board, North York Moors National Park, Scarborough Council and the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to develop new ideas.

The strategy, which has been approved by Ryedale District Council, says that in the national park and Forestry Commission forests, new footpaths and cycle ways are being developed.

Corina Inverno, the tourism officer for Ryedale, said as part of a plan to attract more visitors year-round to Ryedale the district council is to work with English Heritage, promoting short-break walking and heritage holidays in high-quality accommodation. Ms Inverno said themed and small group holidays were also to be marketed to the travel trade.

Antiques shopping, gourmet food and wine-tasting breaks are planned.

Latest research showed that the majority of visitors to Ryedale were aged over 55, with a high percentage aged between 45 and 54.

While the majority of visitors - 23 per cent - came from Yorkshire, about 22 per cent were from the north east, 12 per cent from the south east, with the remainder being split between the East Midlands, north west, Scotland and East Anglia.

The council is working with Scarborough and East Riding Council to target markets in Holland, Belgium and Germany, particularly those on double incomes, and whose children have left home, leaving more disposable income.

Updated: 10:01 Monday, May 05, 2003