YORK has joined the growing list of the 2021 Rugby League World Cup venues to open its doors to the new ‘Squad Trips’ initiative for next year's competition.

The “one-stop shop” booking platform will “enhance the event experience of thousands of World Cup supporters,” according to the tournament’s organisers.

‘Squad Trips’ provides instant access to tickets as part of a package with accommodation and access to local attractions in host cities.

York is one such city, along with Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.

Manchester and Newcastle are slated to be the venues for the final and opening game weekends, respectively.

The scheme is working with various independent businesses in York.

These include Wild Harvest, York Mini Golf, Kala King, BOBH - Day Tours of Yorkshire and York Pass, as well as city hotels Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn, The Park Inn by Radisson, ibis and Hampton by Hilton (Toft Green).

York’s new LNER Community Stadium is set to be the stage for the Women’s Group 'B' matches which includes Australia, New Zealand, France and Cook Islands as well as the women’s semi-final double header on November 22, 2021.

An RLWC2021 statement said: “Fans who have already booked their place at RLWC2021 during the ticket sales phases have the chance to add accommodation and activities to their previous ticket purchases and create memories outside of the 80 minutes, offering something for every fan whether they are attending their first match or a loyal supporter.”

“There will be a variety of accommodation and activity options available on the platform that will enable fans to build their own bespoke squad trip to the tournament and provide the opportunity to access some of the most popular attractions available in each venue.”

Jonathan Neill, the RLWC2021 Commercial Director, said: “Through ‘Squad Trips’ we want, to provide the best and easiest possible experience for the thousands of fans who are looking to secure their seat, their accommodation and enjoy the hospitality and attractions of the host cities.

“Ticket sales are always-on through the one-stop shop of the ‘Squad Trips’, digital platform for what will be the biggest and best RLWC in history.

“Squad Trips also allows fans from not just the UK but worldwide to celebrate the diversity, beauty and appeal of the host towns and cities.

“This is a great opportunity for local businesses in the hospitality and entertainment sectors, who have suffered so much during the unprecedented year of 2020, to show to the thousands of fans attending the most accessible and affordable RL World Cup in history that they will be open to provide a warm welcome in October and November 2021.”

Tourism suppliers interested in becoming part of ‘Squad Trips’ with their accommodation, activity or attraction for fans should contact rlwc2021@txgb.co.uk.

There is no fee to join ‘Squad Trips’ for suppliers, with only commission and booking fees payable.

Fans can plan and purchase their ‘Squad Trips’ for Leeds and York as well as the opening ceremony weekend in Newcastle and Finals weekend in Manchester.

Fans can book now via rlwc2021.com/squadtrips.